suffice

UK: səˈfaɪs | US: səˈfaɪs

Definition

  1. vi. to be enough or adequate for a purpose

  2. vt. to meet the needs of; to satisfy

Structure
suf <under, up to>fic <make, do>
Etymology

suffice = suf<under, up to> + fic<make, do> + e (silent)

  • suf (variant of "sub-") <under, up to>: A Latin prefix indicating "under" or "up to a point."
  • fic (from Latin "facere") <make, do>: A root meaning "to make" or "to do," seen in words like "factory" and "efficient."
  • e: A silent letter retained from Old French/Latin spelling conventions.

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Old French soufire (modern suffire), from Latin sufficere ("to supply, meet the need of"), combining sub- ("up to") + facere ("to make"). The word originally implied "to provide enough to meet a requirement," reflecting its logical progression from literal "making under" (fulfilling) to abstract adequacy.

Examples

  1. A simple apology will suffice to resolve the issue.

  2. Two bottles of water should suffice for the hike.

  3. His explanation did not suffice to calm their fears.

  4. The budget cuts may not suffice to address the deficit.

  5. For formal events, a black tie will suffice.