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Accustomed: Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：familiar with (accustomed)
accustomed
/əˈkʌstəmd/
adj.
When you are used to something and it feels normal or natural to you.
familiar with
➕
/fəˈmɪljər wɪð/
adj.
When you have been exposed to something so often that it feels normal and no longer surprises or bothers you.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'acostumer' (a- + costume 'custom') + -ed; literally 'made customary'.
💡 Mnemonic
A custard mouse: imagine a mouse that's so used to eating custard it expects it every day.
📖 Example
After living in the city for a year, she was accustomed to the noise of traffic outside her window.
After living in the city for a year, she had become accustomed to the noise of traffic outside her window.
🔗 Collocations
become accustomed to – to gradually get used to something
accustomed to the heat – familiar and comfortable with high temperatures
accustomed to criticism – not upset by frequent critical remarks
🔄 Synonyms
used (adj.) – Familiar through repeated experience; often used with 'to'.
habituated (adj.) – Accustomed through long exposure or practice.
inured (adj.) – Made tough or insensitive by repeated exposure (often to hardship).
🚫 Antonyms
unaccustomed (adj.) – Not familiar with; not used to.
unfamiliar (adj.) – Not known or recognized; not having experience with.
unused (adj.) – Not accustomed; lacking experience with something.
🌱 Derivatives
accustom (v.) – to make someone used to something
accustomedly (adv.) – in a manner that shows habit or familiarity
unaccustomed (adj.) – not used to; not familiar
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'consuetudo' via Old French 'acostumer'. In modern English, frequently used in business contexts like 'accustomed to the new workflow' to indicate adaptation.
Meaning 2：customary (accustomed)
accustomed
/əˈkʌstəmd/
adj.
Usual, regular, or commonly practiced; the way things normally are.
customary
➕
/ˈkʌstəˌmɛri/
adj.
Describing a practice or thing that is usual, typical, or expected in a particular culture or situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In many Asian cultures, it is accustomed to remove your shoes before entering a home.
In many Asian cultures, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home.
🔗 Collocations
accustomed practice – a usual way of doing things
accustomed manner – the typical or habitual way
accustomed form – the standard format or appearance
🔄 Synonyms
customary (adj.) – according to the customs or usual practices of a group
habitual (adj.) – done constantly or as a habit
conventional (adj.) – based on what is generally done or believed
🚫 Antonyms
unusual (adj.) – not usual or common
exceptional (adj.) – unusual; not typical
rare (adj.) – not occurring very often
🌱 Derivatives
accustom (v.) – to make a practice habitual
custom (n.) – a traditional or usual way of behaving
customarily (adv.) – in a customary manner; usually
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