Cool MateFulfil vs Satisfy
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fulfil
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Satisfy
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Satisfy
| Fulfil | Satisfy | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/fʊlˈfɪl/","/fʊlˈfɪlz/","/fʊlˈfɪld/","/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fʊlˈfɪl/","/fʊlˈfɪlz/","/fʊlˈfɪld/","/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsætɪsfaɪ/","/ˈsætɪsfaɪz/","/ˈsætɪsfaɪd/","/ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsætɪsfaɪ/","/ˈsætɪsfaɪz/","/ˈsætɪsfaɪd/","/ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to make something happen or to do what is required | To make someone happy by meeting their needs or desires. |
| Example | She was able to fulfil all the requirements for the scholarship. | The new policy did not satisfy the needs of the employees. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can, really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can, really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can | have to, must, should, have to, must, should, have to, must, should |
| Antonyms | fail, neglect | displease, dissatisfy, upset |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'fill'., Incorrectly using 'fulfil' without an object., Using 'fulfil' in informal speech. | Confusing with 'satisfactorily', which is an adverb., Using 'satisfy' with a subject instead of an object (it needs an object)., Saying 'satisfy for' instead of 'satisfy with' or 'satisfy.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'fulfil' in formal or neutral contexts, such as completing a promise or a requirement. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'do' or 'complete' might fit better. | Use 'satisfy' when referring to meeting someone's needs or when fulfilling a condition. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, though more formal contexts may favor synonyms like 'fulfill'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fulfil vs Satisfy
What's the difference between Fulfil and Satisfy?
Fulfil: to make something happen or to do what is required Satisfy: To make someone happy by meeting their needs or desires.
Which is more common: Fulfil and Satisfy?
Satisfy is the most common in everyday English.
Are Fulfil and Satisfy the same CEFR level?
Fulfil: B2, Satisfy: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Fulfil and Satisfy?
Fulfil: verb, Satisfy: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Fulfil: She was able to fulfil all the requirements for the scholarship. Satisfy: The new policy did not satisfy the needs of the employees.
Can I use Fulfil and Satisfy interchangeably?
Not always. Fulfil and Satisfy are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.