# accustomed

/əˈkəstəmd/ (US) · /ɐkˈʌstəmd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accustomed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. used to something

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

familiar with something because you have done it or experienced it often.

For teachers: familiar with something through repeated experience or habit; adapted to specific conditions.

- It took a few weeks, but I am finally accustomed to the cold weather here.
- After years of living in the city, she found herself so accustomed to the constant background noise that the silence of the countryside kept her awake.

Usage: Usually follows the verb 'to be' or 'to become' and takes the preposition 'to'.

### 2. usual or customary

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

describing something that is your normal habit or the usual way things are done.

For teachers: customary or usual; describing an action, position, or object that is established by habit.

- He sat down in his accustomed seat at the head of the table.
- The diplomat spoke with his accustomed elegance, navigating the difficult questions without causing any offense to the visiting delegation.

Usage: Often placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- I am accustomed to waking up early for work.
- After living in the city for a decade, she became accustomed to the constant background noise of traffic.
- The diplomat was well accustomed to the subtle nuances of international protocol, allowing him to navigate the tense negotiations with apparent ease and composure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.