accustom - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
accustom Word Meanings
- to make someone familiar with something
- to habituate
- to adapt to a new situation
accustom Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
accustom Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈkʌstəm/
US
/əˈkʌstəm/
accustom Word Etymology
The root 'custom' refers to a habitual practice, and the prefix 'ac-' means 'to.' Originating from Latin 'accustomare' → Old French 'acostumer' → English 'accustom'. Imagine someone repetitively practicing a new skill until it becomes second nature, like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Accustom means to make someone familiar with something or to habituate a new routine until it becomes second nature. You can say you accustom someone to a new environment, or you can accustom yourself to a different schedule. It is a transitive verb, usually followed by to and a noun or gerund, and it sounds more formal than get used to. People often confuse it with the adjective accustomed, which describes a state rather than an action. A practical way to use it is to describe gradual practice and exposure that reshapes behavior, such as training staff to work remotely or adjusting to a stricter routine.
Usage Reminders
- Accustom is formal; prefer get used to in casual speech
- Follow with to + a noun or -ing form
- The subject either accustoms someone to X or becomes accustomed to X
- Contrast with accustomed (adjective) meaning 'used to'
- Use in contexts of deliberate adaptation or training
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking accustom for get used to in all contexts.
- Thinking accustomed is a verb.
- Forgetting to include 'to' after accustom.
- Using accustom with passive constructions wrongly.
- Confusing the adjective 'accustomed' with the verb form.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice with real tasks that require gradual exposure to new routines
- Compare accustom with become accustomed to in a sentence to feel the difference
- Use in formal writing to present change management scenarios
- Create flashcards linking to + to + noun
- Read examples from corpora to hear natural usage
- Check subject and object to avoid confusion
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'accustom'?
A.To celebrate
B.To familiarize
C.To invent
D.To disappear
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'accustom' used correctly?
A.She accustom regularly to exercising.
B.He accustom his new job quickly.
C.Their dog is still trying to accustom to their new house.
D.We need to accustom to the cold weather.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'accustom'?
A.Acclimate
B.Avoid
C.Ignore
D.Challenge
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'accustom'?
A.Adjust
B.Orient
C.Familiarize
D.Alienate
Step 5: Mastery
How would you apply the word 'accustom' in a real-life context?
A.Trying a new food for the first time
B.Getting used to a new school environment
C.Learning a new language fluently
D.Traveling to a foreign country for the first time
Related Listening
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