B2adverbformal5K

Sufficiently

UK /["/səˈfɪʃntli/"]/US /["/səˈfɪʃntli/"]/

Definition

enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need

In simple words: enough; to a degree that is acceptable

Examples

  • The following day she felt sufficiently well to go to work.
  • By 1995, bald eagles had recovered sufficiently to be removed from the endangered list.

Usage notes

Often used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or official reports. It might not be appropriate for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

sufficiently + adjective/adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'sufficient' as enough; add 'ly' to make it an adverb – sufficiently enough.

Collocations

  • sufficiently clear
  • sufficiently large
  • sufficiently qualified

Synonyms

  • adequately
  • satisfactorily
  • sufficiently
  • enough

Antonyms

  • insufficiently
  • inadequately

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'sufficient', which is an adjective.
  • Using in informal settings where simpler terms like 'enough' are more appropriate.
  • Misplacing in sentences, leading to awkward constructions.