Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/əˈkɒməˌdeɪtɪŋ/

Definitions

• 1. Willing to help or be helpful; obliging.
• 2. Adaptable or able to adjust to different conditions or needs.
• 3. (of a space or environment) capable of providing room or accommodations for people or things.

Usage Examples

• "The hotel staff was very accommodating, making sure every guest was comfortable."
• "He was accommodating to all their requests during the meeting."
• "The design is accommodating, offering ample space for storage."

Etymology

From Latin "accommodare," meaning "to make fit, adapt," from "ad-" (to) and "commodare" (to make suitable, provide). The suffix "-ing" denotes the present participle form.

Synonyms

• Obliging
• Helpful
• Considerate
• Flexible
• Accommodable

Antonyms

• Uncooperative
• Unhelpful
• Inflexible
• Indifferent

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In the US, the pronunciation is typically /əˈkɒməˌdeɪtɪŋ/ with emphasis on the second syllable.
• In the UK, it may be pronounced /əˈkɒməˌdeɪtɪŋ/ with a softer 't'.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation tends to be a bit more fluid: /əˈkɒməˌdeɪtɪŋ/.

Historical Usage

The word "accommodating" has been used since the early 17th century. Initially, it referred to providing physical space or adjusting one's surroundings, but over time it evolved to describe personality traits, particularly in relation to helpfulness and flexibility in accommodating people’s needs.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, being accommodating is seen as a highly valued trait. In hospitality industries worldwide, an accommodating attitude is critical for customer satisfaction. In social and professional environments, accommodating behavior often signals a person’s ability to adapt and prioritize the comfort and needs of others.

More Information

The term "accommodating" is widely used in everyday conversations to describe people who are easy to work with, helpful, and willing to make adjustments for others. This adjective highlights flexibility and responsiveness, qualities that are highly valued in customer service, management, and interpersonal relationships. While being accommodating can be a sign of empathy and teamwork, it is important to find a balance, as being overly accommodating can sometimes lead to personal boundaries being overlooked.