satisfaction

[ sat-is-fak-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act of satisfying; fulfillment; gratification.
2. the state of being satisfied; contentment.

   Synonyms: enjoyment, comfort, pleasure

   Antonyms: discontent, displeasure

3. the cause or means of being satisfied.
4. confident acceptance of something as satisfactory, dependable, true, etc.
5. reparation or compensation, as for a wrong or injury.

   Synonyms: recompense, requital, indemnification, indemnity, atonement, expiation, amends

6. the opportunity to redress or right a wrong, as by a duel.
7. payment or discharge, as of a debt or obligation.

   Synonyms: repayment, remuneration

8. Ecclesiastical.
   1. an act of doing penance or making reparation for venial sin.
   2. the penance or reparation made.

satisfaction

/ ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən /

noun

1. the act of satisfying or state of being satisfied
2. the fulfilment of a desire
3. the pleasure obtained from such fulfilment
4. a source of fulfilment
5. reparation or compensation for a wrong done or received
6. RC Church Church of England the performance by a repentant sinner of a penance
7. Christianity the atonement for sin by the death of Christ

Other Words From

• satis·faction·al adjective
• satis·faction·less adjective
• nonsat·is·faction noun
• presat·is·faction noun
• super·satis·faction noun
• under·satis·faction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfaction¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Latin satisfactiōn-, stem of satisfactiō “amends, excuse, penalty,” from satisfact(us) “compensated, sufficed” (past participle of satisfacere “to do enough, apologize, compensate,” from satis “enough” + facere “to do, make”) + -iō -ion; replacing Middle English satisfaccioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above; fact, satiate

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfaction¹

C15: via French from Latin satisfactionem, from satisfacere to satisfy

Example Sentences

I nourish a sense of satisfaction with the simple accomplishments of the day; getting up early, making coffee for my mom and me, walking, performing some activism, reminding myself that “movement of the muscles overcomes the defeatist babble of the brain.”

From Salon

I quickly discovered I was pretty good at it, which kind of ignited my enjoyment and satisfaction I gained through cooking.

From Salon

"It’s still a level of satisfaction that I feel is still sinking in because it is something I coveted and wanted to do for ever."

From BBC

Turnover rates have slightly improved since, but teachers’ job satisfaction stands near a 50-year low, with a reported 55% considering leaving the profession earlier than they had planned.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m retiring with a sense of satisfaction,” he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• achievement
• amusement
• comfort
• contentment
• delight
• enjoyment
• fulfillment
• gratification
• happiness
• joy
• peace of mind
• pleasure
• pride
• relief
• vindication
• well-being