How Do You Spell That?

  • Eseandre Mordi

  • 16 Feb 2024

Spelling can be tricky, even with commonly used words. This article aims to demystify the correct spelling of some popularly miswritten words, ensuring you never second-guess yourself again on how you spell that.

Correct Spelling of Accommodate

The correct spelling of this often-miswritten word is accommodate. It's important to remember that it contains double 'c's and double 'm's. The word can be a stumbling block for many, as it's one of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. Mastery of its spelling is crucial for clear and professional communication.

How to Remember the Correct Spelling

A helpful mnemonic for "accommodate" is to remember that a house must accommodate two cars and two motorcycles, representing the two 'c's and two 'm's. Visual mnemonics like this can make it much easier to recall the spelling of challenging words.

Common Spelling Mistakes

  • Accomodate - Missing one 'c', which is incorrect because "accommodate" includes two.
  • Accommadate - Misplacing 'm' with an 'a', which distorts the word's proper spelling.

These errors often stem from phonetic misunderstandings or simple oversight.

Definition and Etymology of Accommodate

The word "accommodate" refers to providing lodging or sufficient space for something. It can also mean to adapt or make fit, suitable, or correspond effectively to something else. Etymologically, it derives from the Latin "accommodātus," past participle of "accommodāre," meaning to fit one thing to another, adjust, or make suitable, combining "ad-" (to) with "commodus" (fitting).

Transcription of Accommodate

The standard phonetic transcription of "accommodate" in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /əˈkɒm.ə.deɪt/ in British English and /əˈkɑː.mə.deɪt/ in American English. This transcription helps with understanding the word’s pronunciation, ensuring clarity in verbal communication.

Examples of Using Accommodate

  • The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests.
  • We need a bigger garden to accommodate all the guests.
  • This desk is designed to accommodate modern computer equipment.

FAQ

What does the word mean? 
To provide with a place to live or to be stored in.

Words Closely Related: adjust, adapt, house, fit, host.

Synonyms: house, lodge, harbor, shelter.

There is no difference in spelling "accommodate" between American and British English. However, pronunciation can slightly vary, influencing how individuals might think the word is spelled when heard rather than seen.

Academic Dictionaries Featuring Accommodate

  1. Oxford English Dictionary.
  2. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
  3. American Heritage Dictionary.


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