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
   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

“I always say you sing when words no longer suffice,” Gracey says.

From Los Angeles Times

The court of appeal said “burying such a statement in the small print which the lender knows the borrower is highly unlikely to read will not suffice”.

From BBC

Marinakis argued a ban from the tunnel and dressing room areas would suffice, but the commission disagreed given he is not required in those areas after games.

From BBC

Nothing else will suffice — and nothing more is necessary.

From Salon

The defensive highlights sufficed against the struggling Raiders, a team with future Hall of Famer Tom Brady now on the ownership roster but, unfortunately for coach Antonio Pierce, not playing quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times

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.