accustom

Everyday

1. To accustom yourself to something means to get used to it: «It took a week to accustom myself to the new school.» tree →
2. Accustomed to (adjective) means used to: «I'm accustomed to early mornings.» tree →
3. (formal) Accustomed also means usual: «She sat in her accustomed seat.» tree →

In the lessons

In stories and formal writing, characters become accustomed to new places, the dark, the cold or a new family. In science, eyes become accustomed to the dark (they adjust). Phrases: «accustom yourself to», «become accustomed to», «grow accustomed to».

Examples

• It took me a few days to accustom myself to the new timetable. tree →
• Our eyes slowly became accustomed to the dark. tree →
• The puppy soon grew accustomed to its new home. tree →
• Grandpa sat in his accustomed chair by the fire. tree →
• The family from Spain became accustomed to the rain in Scotland. tree →
• She is accustomed to getting up at six. tree →

Note

Regular verb, usually used with «yourself» or in «accustomed to». After «to», use a noun or «-ing»: «accustomed to waking up», not «to wake up». Double «c»: ac-cus-tom. Opposite: unaccustomed. Everyday words: «get used to», «used to».