Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tending to reconcile or accommodate; bringing into harmony: Describes a quality or action that helps resolve differences and create agreement or compatibility.
   • Willing to adjust to differences in order to obtain agreement: Describes a person or approach that is flexible and cooperative to reach a consensus.
   • Helpful in bringing about a harmonious adaptation: Describes something that facilitates a smooth and agreeable adjustment to new circumstances or needs.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • Her accommodative nature made her an excellent mediator in the dispute.
  • The manager took an accommodative approach, modifying the schedule to suit everyone's needs.
  • The policy was praised for its accommodative measures towards new immigrants.

Advanced Usage

• In a financial/economic context: Refers to policies (like monetary policy) that are designed to stimulate economic activity by being expansive or supportive.
  • The central bank maintained an accommodative stance to encourage lending and investment.
• In a psychological/physiological context: Refers to the ability of an organ, especially the eye, to adjust its focus.
  • The accommodative ability of the lens allows us to see objects clearly at different distances.

Variants and Related Words

• Accommodate (verb): To provide for; to fit in with; to reconcile.
  • The hotel can accommodate 300 guests.
• Accommodation (noun): The process of adapting or adjusting; a settlement or compromise; a place to live or stay.
  • Finding suitable accommodation was their first priority.
• Accommodating (adjective): Willing to help or oblige; easy to deal with.
  • The staff were very accommodating and moved us to a better room.

Synonyms

• Conciliatory: Intended to placate or reconcile.
• Obliging: Willing to do a service or kindness; helpful.
• Flexible: Ready and able to change so as to adapt to different circumstances.
• Cooperative: Involving mutual assistance in working toward a common goal.

Antonyms

• Inflexible: Unwilling to change or compromise.
• Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.
• Uncooperative: Unwilling to help others or do what they ask.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To be accommodative of: To be willing to accept or make allowances for.
  • The school is accommodative of students with different learning styles.
• An accommodative spirit: A generally helpful and flexible attitude.
  • Successful negotiations require an accommodative spirit from all parties.

Adjective

1. tending to reconcile or accommodate; bringing into harmony
2. willing to adjust to differences in order to obtain agreement
3. helpful in bringing about a harmonious adaptation
   • the warden was always accommodating in allowing visitors in
   • made a special effort to be accommodating