What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accustom
Example
It takes time to accustom oneself to a new culture. [accustom: reflexive verb]
Example
She gradually accustoms her body to the cold water by taking daily dips. [accustoms: present tense]
habituate
Example
He habituated himself to drinking coffee every morning. [habituated: past tense]
Example
The zookeeper habituated the monkeys to human presence by feeding them regularly. [habituated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accustom is more common in everyday language than habituate, which is more technical and specific to certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accustom and habituate?
Both accustom and habituate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but habituate is more technical and may be more appropriate in scientific or medical writing.
