Sufficient: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：enough (sufficient)

sufficient 🔊

/səˈfɪʃənt/

adj.

Having as much of something as is needed for a particular purpose.

Sufficient concept illustrated by a balanced meal and full water bottle, representing adequate amount.

enough 🔊

➕

/ɪˈnʌf/

adj.

Describes an amount or quantity that meets a need or requirement, without being excessive.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'sufficiens' (present participle of 'sufficere'), meaning 'to suffice'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'sufficient' as having three F's: Fully Filled Function. You have just enough to function fully.

📖 Example

Do you have sufficient water in your backpack for this hiking trail? 🔊 Do you have enough water in your backpack for this hike?

🔗 Collocations

sufficient evidence – enough proof or facts to support a conclusion

sufficient time – an adequate amount of time to complete a task

sufficient funds – having enough money for a specific purpose

🔄 Synonyms

adequate (adj.) – just enough to meet a requirement, often implying it is acceptable but not abundant

ample (adj.) – more than enough, plentiful

enough (adj.) – as much or as many as required; used similarly to sufficient but often more informal

🚫 Antonyms

insufficient (adj.) – not enough; inadequate for the purpose

inadequate (adj.) – not sufficient to meet a need

scarce (adj.) – insufficient for the demand; in short supply

🌱 Derivatives

sufficiently (adv.) – to an adequate degree; enough

sufficiency (n.) – an adequate amount of something, especially of resources

suffice (v.) – to be enough or adequate

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'sufficere' ('sub-' (under) + 'facere' (to make)). It entered English via Old French in the 14th century. The concept of "sufficient reason" is a fundamental principle in philosophy and law.