Understanding the meaning of the word “suffice” can lead to a better grasp of English language nuances. This term is commonly used in various situations and knowing what it implies can significantly enhance your verbal and written communication skills.
Definition of Suffice
According to the dictionary, the verb ‘suffice’ originates from the Latin ‘sufficere’, which means ‘to supply, be enough’. In modern English, “suffice” is generally used to denote that something is either adequate or enough to fulfill a need, desire, or requirement.
In other words, when a thing suffices, it means that it meets or satisfies a particular purpose or need and does not require anything additional.
Usage of Suffice
In terms of usage, “suffice” can be utilized in different contexts and situations, both formal and informal. Below are examples that demonstrate the use of “suffice” in various sentences:
Example 1: ‘A slice of bread will suffice for my breakfast.’
In this sentence, “suffice” indicates that a piece of bread is ample or enough to satisfy the speaker’s need for breakfast, requiring no supplementary food.
Example 2: ‘His apology will not suffice to mend the emotional damage he caused.’
In this context, “suffice” is used in a negative form to express that the apology is insufficient to rectify the emotional harm.
Example 3: ‘It suffices to say, we will not tolerate such behavior.’
Here, “suffices” is used to highlight that the statement is enough to convey the message, without needing further explanation.
Synonyms of Suffice
Words similar to “suffice” include enough, satisfy, do, meet, fulfill, serve, answer, content, suit, cater, or be adequate. These synonyms can interchangeably be used in different contexts where the word “suffice” is appropriate.
Conclusion
Essentially, “suffice” is a versatile word that plays vital roles in the English language. It’s useful in indicating the sufficiency or insufficiency of something in relation to a need, desire, demand or expectation. By getting familiar with “suffice”, you can communicate more efficiently and understand the nuances of English language use better.