Definition

Verb: To cause inconvenience, discomfort, or trouble to someone; to disturb or bother.

Usage

The verb "incommode" is a formal word used to describe the act of putting someone to trouble or causing them minor hardship or discomfort. It often implies a polite or apologetic acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused.

Examples

• The construction noise will incommode the residents for several weeks.
• I hope my early arrival does not incommode you.
• The manager apologized for any inconvenience, stating, "We regret to incommode our guests during the renovation."

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: Often used in the passive voice to describe the state of being inconvenienced.
  • We were greatly incommoded by the sudden cancellation of all flights.
• Formal/Polite Contexts: Frequently found in formal correspondence, announcements, or polite speech to soften the statement of causing trouble.
  • The company wishes to notify customers that they may be incommoded by temporary service disruptions.

Variants and Related Words

• Incommodious (adjective): Causing inconvenience or discomfort; not spacious or comfortable.
  • The incommodious seating made the long journey unpleasant.

Synonyms

• Inconvenience: To cause trouble or difficulty to.
• Bother: To take the trouble to do something; to cause minor annoyance.
• Disturb: To interrupt the quiet, rest, or peace of.
• Trouble: To cause inconvenience or effort to.

Antonyms

• Accommodate: To fit in with the wishes or needs of.
• Oblige: To do a service or favor for.
• Assist: To help or support.

Related Phrases

• Put out: (Phrasal Verb, informal) To cause inconvenience to someone.
  • I don't want to put you out, but could you give me a lift?
• At the inconvenience of: (Formal phrase) Causing trouble for.
  • The event was rescheduled at the inconvenience of many attendees.

Verb

1. to cause inconvenience or discomfort to
   • Sorry to trouble you, but...