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suffice

[ suh-fahys, -fahyz ]
/ səˈfaɪs, -ˈfaɪz /
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See synonyms for: suffice / sufficing on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object), suf¡ficed, suf¡fic¡ing.
to be enough or adequate, as for needs, purposes, etc.
verb (used with object), suf¡ficed, suf¡fic¡ing.
to be enough or adequate for; satisfy.
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Origin of suffice

1275–1325; Middle English sufficen<Latin sufficere to supply, suffice, equivalent to suf-suf- + -ficere, combining form of facere to make, do1; replacing Middle English suffisen<Old French <Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM suffice

un¡suf¡fic¡ing, adjective

Words nearby suffice

sufferable, sufferance, suffer fools gladly, suffering, Suffern, suffice, suffice it to say, sufficiency, sufficient, sufficient condition, sufficient reason
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Š Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT SUFFICE

What does suffice mean?

To suffice is to be just enough, or adequate, as in I can fold the laundry later, so taking the clothes out of the dryer will suffice.

When something suffices, it might not meet all your needs, but it will meet at least a minimum of them. For example, you might feel somewhat rested when you get seven hours of sleep but really well rested when you get nine hours. Nine hours of sleep might be most desirable, but seven hours suffices.

Example: It could be better, but I suppose this will suffice.

Where does suffice come from?

The first records of the term suffice come from the late 1200s. It ultimately comes from the Latin sufficere, meaning “to supply and be adequate.” Usually suffice is used to describe an object satisfying the need for something, but it can also refer to a service or an action.

One of the most common uses of suffice is in the phrase suffice it to say. This phrase effectively means “Let us say this and no more after that.” It is often used when the thing being said is obvious, but the speaker wants to emphasize the point.

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What are some other forms related to suffice?

  • unsufficing (adjective)

What are some synonyms for suffice?

What are some words that share a root or word element with suffice? 

What are some words that often get used in discussing suffice?

How is suffice used in real life?

Suffice is commonly used to mean something is good enough.

 

 

Try using suffice!

Is suffice used correctly in the following sentence?

This spare will suffice, but you need to get a replacement tire soon.

Words related to suffice

get by, satisfy, answer, avail, content, do, meet, serve, suit, do the trick, fill the bill, hack it, hit the spot, make a hit, make the grade

How to use suffice in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for suffice

suffice
/ (səˈfaɪs) /
verb
to be adequate or satisfactory for (something)
suffice it to say that (takes a clause as object) let us say no more than that; I shall just say that

Derived forms of suffice

sufficer, noun

Word Origin for suffice

C14: from Old French suffire, from Latin sufficere from sub- below + facere to make
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Š William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 Š HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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