Understanding the Verb "Accustom"
Have you ever moved to a new city where the trains run all night, or perhaps started a job that requires waking up before the sun rises? In these moments, you go through a process of change. Eventually, your brain and body stop reacting to the new environment as if it were strange. When you reach that point, you have managed to accustom yourself to the situation. To accustom is to make something familiar through repeated experience, turning a new or difficult situation into a standard part of your daily routine.
The Origins and Meaning of Accustom
Although the verb accustom looks like it should be related to the word custom, it has a more specific linguistic journey. It comes to us from the Old French acostumer, which combined à (meaning "to") and costume (meaning "fashion or habit"). Today, the word retains that original focus on habit. It describes the transition from finding something foreign or uncomfortable to finding it normal.
At its core, accustom means:
- To make yourself or someone else familiar with something.
- To physically or mentally adapt to a change.
- To develop a habit through repeated exposure.
Grammar Patterns and Usage
Using accustom correctly requires paying attention to its reflexive nature. Most often, you will see it used with a reflexive pronoun (myself, yourself, himself, etc.).
The Reflexive Pattern:
The most common way to use this verb is in the structure accustom [someone/yourself] to [something/doing something].
- I had to accustom myself to the cold winters in Canada.
- The company is accustoming the staff to the new software system.
The Passive Voice (The "Accustomed to" Pattern):
In conversation, you will hear the adjective form accustomed to much more frequently than the active verb. When you are "accustomed to" something, you have completed the process of accustoming.
- She is now accustomed to working from home.
- Are you accustomed to the high humidity in this region?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learners often trip up when using this word, usually by confusing the verb form with the adjective form. Keep these two rules in mind:
- Don't drop the preposition: You must always follow accustom (or accustomed) with the word to. You are never "accustom to" something; you "accustom yourself to" it.
- Mind the gerund: When you follow to with an action, you must use the -ing form (gerund). For example, say "I am accustomed to waking up early," rather than "I am accustomed to wake up early."
- Don't confuse it with "habit": While accustom is about the process of getting used to something, a custom is the result—a social habit. Avoid saying "I accustom a habit." Instead, say "I have developed a habit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "accustom" the same as "get used to"?
Yes, they are synonyms. However, "get used to" is much more casual and is used frequently in spoken English. "Accustom" sounds slightly more formal or professional, making it a great choice for written essays or workplace communication.
Can I use "accustom" without a reflexive pronoun?
While possible in very specific, formal contexts, it sounds unnatural to native speakers. It is almost always best to specify who is doing the accustoming, such as "accustom yourself," "accustom the students," or "accustom your eyes."
Is "accustom" a physical or a mental process?
It is both! You can accustom your eyes to the darkness in a theater (physical), or you can accustom your mind to the stress of a deadline (mental).
Conclusion
Learning to accustom yourself to change is a valuable life skill, and understanding how to use the word will improve your English fluency. Whether you are talking about adjusting to a new climate, a new work schedule, or a change in diet, this verb perfectly captures the transition from "new and strange" to "familiar and routine." Try using it in a sentence today—you will soon find that you have accustomed yourself to using it naturally!