suffice

/ˈsʌfɪs/
to be enough or adequate

A simple apology will suffice in this situation.

A simple apology is enough in this situation.


formal

to be enough or adequate for a particular purpose

This explanation should suffice for now.

This explanation is enough for now.

A handshake will suffice as a greeting.

A handshake is enough as a greeting.

Often used in formal or polite contexts to indicate that something is acceptable without being excessive.

Collocations

suffice to sayto summarize or conclude that something is truesuffice it to saya formal way to introduce a conclusion or summary

Related Phrases

suffice to sayphrase
to summarize or conclude that something is true
suffice it to sayphrase
a formal way to introduce a conclusion or summary

Pro Tip

Formal Usage

Use 'suffice' in formal or polite contexts to indicate that something is acceptable without being excessive.

Gold Rule

Negative Constructions

'Suffice' can be used in negative constructions to express that something is not enough, e.g., 'This does not suffice for our needs.'

Word Origin

From Middle English 'suffisen', from Old French 'suffire', from Latin 'sufficere' meaning 'to be enough'.

Usage Notes

Often used in formal or polite contexts to indicate that something is acceptable without being excessive. Can also be used in negative constructions to express that something is not enough.

Word Breakdown

suffice
to be enough or adequate
root
English Dictionary