accustom
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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preaccustomverb (used with object)
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unaccustomverb (used with object)
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reaccustomverb (used with object)
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has accustomedperfect 3rd person singular
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have accustomedperfect
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has been accustomingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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accustomssingular 3rd person
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have been accustomingperfect progressive
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is accustomingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are accustomingprogressive
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accustomingparticiple
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am accustomingprogressive 1st person singular
Past
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had accustomedperfect
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were accustomingprogressive plural
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was accustomingprogressive singular
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accustomedparticiple
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had been accustomingperfect progressive
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accustomedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of accustom
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Middle French word acoustumer. See ac-, custom
Explanation
The verb accustom means to become used to or familiar with something; to make something a habit. If there is a new baby in your family, you will most likely become accustomed to changing diapers. Although the verb accustom looks like it should be related to the word custom, it actually comes through costume, through the Old French acostumer, with à, meaning "to," and costume, meaning "fashion or habit." Now it retains the meaning to make something a habit. You can accustom yourself to loud sirens if you live in a city or to the sound of crickets if you live in the country. Parents often cannot become accustomed to the musical taste of their kids.
Vocabulary lists containing accustom
List 4
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
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Tears of a Tiger
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sir 23:9 Accustom not thy mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to the naming of the Holy One.
From Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible Apocrypha by Anonymous
Accustom yourself, then, to wait upon her; it will teach you to wait upon others by and by; and in the meantime, it will give a graceful polish to your character.
From The Young Man's Guide by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)
Accustom your ear to harmonic and melodic clarity, and—listen closely.
From Piano Playing: With Piano Questions Answered by Hofmann, Josef
Accustom yourself, as soon as possible, to the customs of the nation which you are visiting, and, as far as you can without any violation of principle, follow them.
From The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness Being a Complete Guide for a Gentleman's Conduct in all his Relations Towards Society by Hartley, Cecil B.
Accustom yourself to write familiar letters, on common subjects, to your friends in England, such as are of a moderate understanding.
From Selected English Letters (XV - XIX Centuries) by Wragg, H.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
