English Dictionary

Definition of “sufficient

sufficient (səˈfɪʃəntPronunciation for sufficient

Definitions

adjective

  1. enough to meet a need or purpose; adequate
  2. logic (of a condition) assuring the truth of a statement; requiring but not necessarily required by some other state of affairs Compare necessary (sense 3e)
  3. archaic competent; capable

noun

  1. a sufficient quantity

Alternative Forms

sufˈficiently adverb

Word Origin

C14: from Latin sufficiens  supplying the needs of, from sufficere to suffice

Usage examples

  • She assured her hostess that one bouquet would be sufficient.
    Smith, Evelyn E, Miss Melville Regrets (1987)
  • In sufficient quantity, this atomic hydrogen would have blocked the light in the early Universe, causing an astronomical dark age.
    New Scientist (2003)
  • Immigrants were arriving in sufficient numbers to transplant the soul or essence of the game onto their adopted landscape.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • But the strategy was clear: get in the lead quickly and create sufficient momentum to stay there.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • At school, if he has sufficient intelligence, he can do well simply by carrying out the teachers ' instructions.
    Dorothy Rowe, BEYOND FEAR (2002)

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