Satisfy Means to Make Enough
To satisfy is to meet a need or a requirement. The Latin combines enough and make, which is exactly the job.
To satisfy is to fulfil a need, a desire or a requirement. The Latin is transparent: *satis*, enough, plus *facere*, to make — satisfying something is making it enough. That is why a court can be satisfied by evidence and a diner satisfied by dinner, without any strain on the word.
- To meet a need or desire. *Satisfy your curiosity.*
- To meet a requirement. *Satisfy the criteria.*
- To convince. *The judge was satisfied that notice was given.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | satisfy | Satisfy the conditions. |
| Past | satisfied | Satisfied customers. |
| Noun | satisfaction | Job satisfaction. |
| Adjective | satisfactory | A satisfactory result. |
| Adjective | satisfying | A satisfying meal. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The work must satisfy the specification.Requirements.
- I am satisfied that the account is accurate.Convinced.
- It was a satisfying afternoon.Pleasant and complete.
The enough family
- Satisfy — make enough
- Satiate — fill to excess
- Saturate — soak until no more can be absorbed
- Sated — having had enough, usually of food
- Asset — unrelated, despite appearances
From Latin *satisfacere*, to do enough for, from *satis*, enough, and *facere*, to make. The same *satis* underlies *satiate* and, distantly, *sad*.
Satisfactory or satisfying?
Satisfactory means it meets the standard, and is faint praise. Satisfying means it feels good.
What does *satisfied* mean in law?
Convinced to the required standard of proof. A judge satisfied of something has accepted it as established.