Reading Theme:
Adequate: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：sufficient for needs (adequate)
adequate
/ˈædɪkwɪt/
adj.
enough in amount for what you need.
sufficient for needs
➕
/səˈfɪʃənt fɔːr niːdz/
adj.
Describes a quantity that meets the required or necessary level without being excessive.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'aequus' (equal), meaning made equal to what is needed.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'Adequate' as 'Add Equal' – adding just enough to be equal to the need.
📖 Example
My trainer said this meal has adequate protein to help my muscles recover after the gym.
My trainer stated that this meal contains sufficient protein for muscle recovery after exercising.
🔗 Collocations
adequate supply – sufficient quantity available
adequate time – enough duration to complete a task
adequate resources – sufficient means to achieve a goal
🔄 Synonyms
sufficient (adj.) – enough to meet a need or requirement
enough (adj.) – adequate in quantity or degree
satisfactory (adj.) – meeting the minimum requirements
🚫 Antonyms
insufficient (adj.) – not enough in amount
inadequate (adj.) – not sufficient or suitable
deficient (adj.) – lacking in some necessary quality
🌱 Derivatives
adequately (adv.) – in a sufficient manner
adequacy (n.) – the state of being sufficient
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'adaequatus', past participle of 'adaequare' (to make equal). First used in English in the 17th century. Commonly appears in legal and educational contexts to indicate meeting minimum requirements.
Meaning 2：acceptable standard (adequate)
adequate
/ˈædɪkwɪt/
adj.
good enough to meet a basic standard, but not great.
acceptable standard
➕
/əkˈsɛptəbəl ˈstændərd/
adj.
Indicates that something is satisfactory to fulfill a basic requirement, though it may lack excellence or superiority.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her presentation was adequate, but adding more examples would make it excellent.
Her presentation met the basic requirements, but it could be improved with additional examples.
🔗 Collocations
adequate performance – performance that meets minimum expectations
adequate level – a standard that is sufficient but not high
adequate result – an outcome that is acceptable
🔄 Synonyms
acceptable (adj.) – good enough to be received or considered
passable (adj.) – just satisfactory; barely adequate
satisfactory (adj.) – fulfilling expectations or needs
🚫 Antonyms
excellent (adj.) – extremely good; outstanding
superb (adj.) – excellent in quality
inadequate (adj.) – not sufficient or suitable
🌱 Derivatives
adequately (adv.) – in a manner that meets basic standards
adequacy (n.) – the quality of being sufficient or acceptable
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser