Accommodation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accommodation

[ษ™หŒkษ’mษ™หˆdeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

finding a place to stay

Accommodation refers to a place where you live or stay, especially when you are on holiday or when you are staying somewhere for a short amount of time. It can also refer to the act of providing someone with a place to live or stay.

Synonyms

housing, lodging, residence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accommodation

Used when talking about a place to stay, especially in a temporary or short-term context, such as when traveling or during events.

  • They arranged for their accommodation at a nearby hotel.
  • The conference organizers provided accommodation for all attendees.
lodging

Typically used to describe temporary living accommodations, such as hotels, inns, or guesthouses, often for short stays or overnight trips.

  • The hikers found lodging in a small cabin in the woods.
  • During the festival, all the lodgings in town were fully booked.
housing

Refers to the provision of houses or apartments, often in a more permanent setting, and can be used in discussions about social and economic issues.

  • The government is working on a new policy to improve affordable housing.
  • Many young professionals are struggling to find suitable housing in the city.
residence

Generally refers to a person's home or place where they live permanently or for a long duration, can also be used in formal contexts.

  • She has a lovely residence in the suburbs.
  • The university offers on-campus residences for students.

Examples of usage

  • We booked our accommodation for the weekend trip in advance.
  • The hotel provides comfortable accommodation for its guests.
Context #2 | Noun

adjustment or adaptation

Accommodation can also refer to the act of adapting to something or making adjustments for someone else's needs or preferences.

Synonyms

adaptation, adjustment, compromise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accommodation

Used when referring to a place to stay or live, such as a hotel room, apartment, or house.

  • We need to book our accommodation before our trip.
  • The university offers accommodation options for students.
adaptation

Used when referring to the process of changing oneself or something to fit a new condition or environment.

  • His adaptation to the new job was smooth.
  • The book was turned into a film adaptation.
adjustment

Used when making small changes to improve something or to fit a particular purpose.

  • She made a few adjustments to her schedule.
  • This chair could use some adjustment for better comfort.
compromise

Used when two or more parties come to an agreement where each party gives up something they want.

  • After a long discussion, they reached a fair compromise.
  • Marriage often involves compromise between partners.

Examples of usage

  • She made accommodations for her guests with dietary restrictions.
  • The company made accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, hospitality is a key value, where offering accommodation is seen as a sign of respect and kindness.
  • The concept of accommodation can vary significantly around the world, from formal lodging in hotels to informal arrangements in homes.
  • Festivals and events often lead to an increase in accommodations, highlighting the importance of welcoming others in a community.

Psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, accommodation refers to adjusting existing ideas or beliefs when new information is encountered.
  • The ability to make these adjustments is crucial for learning and understanding the world around us.
  • Accommodation is contrasted with 'assimilation', where new information blends into existing frameworks without change.

Education

  • In educational settings, accommodations are adjustments made to help students with different needs succeed, such as extra time on tests.
  • These modifications can be vital for inclusive learning environments, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities.
  • Educational accommodations can range from physical classroom adjustments to tailored teaching methods.

Tourism

  • The accommodation industry is a major part of global tourism, offering a wide range of options from hostels to luxury resorts.
  • Online platforms have revolutionized how people find and book accommodations, leading to growth in alternative stays like Airbnbs.
  • Sustainable accommodations are becoming popular, focusing on eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact.

Origin of 'accommodation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'accommodare', meaning 'to make fit, adjust.'
  • In the 1530s, it started being used in English as a term for making rooms or spaces suitable for people.
  • The word evolved to include not just physical spaces, but also how we adapt to othersโ€™ needs.

The word 'accommodation' comes from the Latin word 'accommodatio', which means 'a fitting.' It has been used in the English language since the 16th century. Initially, it was used in the context of providing lodging or adjustment. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to living arrangements, adjustments, and adaptations.


See also: accommodating, unaccommodating.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,252, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.