Accustomed

Vocabulary Spotlight

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Familiar with something through regular experience; used to or in the habit of.

“After years of living in the city, she was accustomed to the sound of traffic at night.”

Pronunciation

[uh-KUHS-tuhmd]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Familiar
Used to
Habitual
Adapted
Trained

Antonyms

Unfamiliar
New
Unaccustomed
Inexperienced
Unprepared

Related Words

Custom
Adapt
Acclimate

Word Origin

“Accustomed” comes from the Latin word “accostumare,” meaning “to accustom or make familiar.”

Word Family

Adjective: Accustomed – Familiar through experience.

Noun: Custom – A habitual practice.

Verb: Accustom – To familiarize someone with something.

Mnemonics

Think “A Custom Made” – Accustomed means being used to something familiar or customary.

Industry-specific Usage

Psychology

In psychology, accustomed responses develop from repeated exposure or habit formation.

Education

Students become accustomed to routines and schedules as part of adapting to academic environments.

Business

Employees become accustomed to company culture and practices over time, fostering productivity and efficiency.

In Context

Accustomed emphasizes familiarity and habit through experience, crucial for adaptation in various settings such as new environments, roles, or lifestyles.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. What is an antonym for “Accustomed”?

Familiar

Trained

Adapted

Unfamiliar

‘Unfamiliar’ is correct, as it implies a lack of familiarity or habit.

2. Fill in the blank: The dog was _______ to waking up early with its owner.

accustomed

unfamiliar

inexperienced

unprepared

‘Accustomed’ fits as it describes familiarity through habit.

3. In which context would “accustomed” be MOST appropriate?

Starting a new job

Getting used to a new exercise routine

Avoiding familiar tasks

Ignoring regular habits

‘Getting used to a new exercise routine’ is appropriate as accustomed refers to becoming familiar through habit.