Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of adapting or adjusting to something new: In physiology, this refers specifically to the eye's ability to change focus to see objects at different distances.
   • A place where someone can live, stay, or work: This refers to lodgings or living quarters, such as a house, hotel room, or apartment.
   • A convenient arrangement; a settlement or compromise: This refers to an agreement that reconciles differing opinions or needs.
   • The provision of what is needed or wanted: This is the act of supplying something like lodging, food, or a seat.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Physiological Adjustment):
  • The accommodation of the eye allows us to read a book and then look at a distant mountain.
• Noun (Lodging):
  • The university guarantees accommodation for all first-year students.
  • We booked our accommodation months before the trip.
• Noun (Settlement/Compromise):
  • After lengthy negotiations, the two parties reached an accommodation.
• Noun (Provision):
  • The theater made special accommodation for wheelchair users.

Advanced Usage

• "To make accommodations for": To adjust conditions or provide facilities to suit someone's specific needs.
  • The company made reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
• In Piagetian theory: Refers to the cognitive process of modifying existing mental schemas to incorporate new information.
  • Learning a new language often requires the accommodation of unfamiliar grammatical structures.

Variants and Related Words

• Accommodate (verb): To provide space for; to fit in with the wishes or needs of.
  • This van can accommodate up to eight passengers.
  • We try to accommodate our clients' schedules.
• Accommodating (adjective): Willing to help or oblige; fitting in with someone's wishes.
  • The hotel staff was very accommodating.
• Accommodations (plural noun): Often used specifically to mean lodgings or places to stay.
  • The conference fee includes all meals and accommodations.

Synonyms

• Adjustment: A small change to improve something or make it more suitable.
• Lodging: A temporary place to live.
• Compromise: An agreement where both sides make concessions.
• Adaptation: The process of changing to suit new conditions.

Related Phrases

• Reasonable accommodation: (Legal/Formal) A necessary adjustment to a job or environment that allows a person with a disability to perform essential functions.
  • Providing screen-reading software is considered a reasonable accommodation.
• Come to an accommodation: To reach a mutual agreement or settlement.
  • The rival factions finally came to an accommodation.

Related Idioms

• "To reach an accommodation": To arrive at a compromise or agreement, especially after a disagreement.
  • The management and the union reached an accommodation to avoid a strike.

Noun

1. (physiology) the automatic adjustment in focal length of the natural lens of the eye
2. the act of providing something (lodging or seat or food) to meet a need
3. living quarters provided for public convenience
   • overnight accommodations are available
4. in the theories of Jean Piaget: the modification of internal representations in order to accommodate a changing knowledge of reality
5. a settlement of differences
   • they reached an accommodation with Japan
6. making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances