suffice

[ suh-fahys, -fahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, suf·ficed, suf·fic·ing.

1. to be enough or adequate, as for needs, purposes, etc.

verb (used with object)

, suf·ficed, suf·fic·ing.

1. to be enough or adequate for; satisfy.

suffice

/ səˈfaɪs /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• sufˈficer, noun

Other Words From

• unsuf·ficing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffice¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English sufficen, from Latin sufficere “to put under, supply, be capable,” from suf- suf- + -ficere, combining form of facere “to do, make” ( do ¹ ); replacing Middle English suffisen, from Old French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffice¹

C14: from Old French suffire, from Latin sufficere from sub- below + facere to make

Example Sentences

Knowing your own needs is important—for example, if you have a small living space, an audio-only model may suffice—and will ensure you get a device that does what it intends and works with your parenting style.

From Popular-Science

As you are not going to please her — with gifts or menus — make choices that satisfy your own standards, and let that suffice.

From Washington Post

I won’t spoil here what role that hormone plays in celery, but suffice to say it’s nothing sexy.

From Popular-Science

The representative I spoke to in Vermont said my negative test and quarantine in Tennessee would suffice, and the representative from Maine essentially said to avoid crowded public places.

From Outside Online

Norris said he has written around the margins of the form after patients’ initial applications were rejected, hoping the additional details will suffice and fearing that MTS will not accept an attached letter.

From Voice of San Diego

Suffice to say, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel in Liberia.

From The Daily Beast

Suffice it to say, we hoped, with Governor Richardson as our veteran QB, to advance the ball down the field a bit.

From The Daily Beast

Concerning argument, suffice it to say that, once started, no matter how terrible the cost, it was successful.

From The Daily Beast

Suffice it to say that Radcliffe put an Avada Kedavra spell on the song, because he absolutely killed it!

From The Daily Beast

There will be some people who think, “I wish they touched on it more,” and some people where it will suffice.

From The Daily Beast

When ordinary methods do not suffice, it can usually be cleared by shaking up with a little magnesium carbonate and filtering.

From Project Gutenberg

Suffice it to say, a mutual passion was conceived between the two cousins, and my father persuaded her to elope with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Your indomitable bravery will suffice to frustrate the attempt to carry out their plans.

From Project Gutenberg

In very rare cases, the expression of the last figure in the date word will suffice.

From Project Gutenberg

It need not mention the sum to be paid for the land; it can be signed with a lead pencil: a stamp signature will suffice.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• get by
• satisfy

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.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to suffice?

• unsufficing (adjective)

What are some synonyms for suffice?

• get by
• avail
• content
• satisfy
• suit

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

• suffice it to say
• sufficient
• sufficiency

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

• enough
• help
• serve
• settle
• work

How is suffice used in real life?

Suffice is commonly used to mean something is good enough.

The tragedy in Orlando is just beyond sad. My deepest regrets to all those suffering. There are no words that suffice. I'm…stunned.

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) June 12, 2016

@ whoever ends up proposing to me….. do not put my ring in a food. I do not want to dig through a cupcake for a ring..I will collect my things and leave if that happens. I’m not a scavenger. the “on one knee” method will suffice. no food. thanks

— queen quen (@quenblackwell) August 2, 2018

Recipe blogs:
Growing up under the hot Arizona sun, it seemed like my brothers and I were ALWAYS thirsty.
[7 paragraphs later]Suffice it to say, water was important in my family.

My Grandfather's Ice Water Recipe-
3 Cubes Ice
1 Glass Water

— Mike Ginn (@shutupmikeginn) July 1, 2019

 

 

Try using suffice!

Is suffice used correctly in the following sentence?

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