Sufficiently

Definition

Sufficiently refers to an extent or degree that is enough or adequate for a specific purpose or need.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /səˈfɪʃəntli/
• Respelling: suh-FISH-ənt-lee

British English

• IPA: /səˈfɪʃəntli/
• Respelling: suh-FISH-ənt-lee

The addition of "-ly" does not significantly alter the pronunciation of the base word, but it adds a final syllable. The primary stress remains on the second syllable, as in "sufficient." The final "ly" is pronounced as "lee." The representations are consistent across both American and British English, though, as always, slight variations may occur due to regional accents.

Etymology

The term "sufficiently" is derived from the adjective "sufficient," which originates from Old French sufisant or suffisant, from Latin sufficientem or sufficiens, the present participle of sufficere meaning "to supply, suffice." The Latin word sufficere is further broken down into sub- (up to) and facere (to make, to do). The addition of the suffix “-ly” converts the adjective to an adverb, conforming to the common English language pattern.

Derivatives

• Sufficiency
• Insufficiently
• Suffice
• Insufficiency
• Sufficient

Synonyms

• Adequately
• Ample
• Enough

Antonyms

• Inadequately
• Insufficiently
• Scarcely

Usage

The term "sufficiently" is often used to describe a situation where there is an adequate amount or degree of something to meet a specific requirement or standard. It's commonly utilized in both informal and formal contexts across a variety of fields including law, finance, and academia.

Related Terms

• Adequate
• Ample
• Enough

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Adequacy in Quantity: To an extent or degree that is enough in terms of quantity.‍
• Example: The resources were sufficiently available to complete the project on time.

• Adequacy in Quality: To an extent or degree that meets the required standard in terms of quality.‍
• Example: The performance was sufficiently good to earn a standing ovation from the audience.

• Competence: To a degree that showcases competence or capability.‍
• Example: The candidate was sufficiently skilled to handle the job responsibilities.