enough

Pluralenoughs

1. 1
   sufficientlyadverb

   To a degree that satisfies a requirement or need.

   The rope was long enough to reach the bottom of the well.

   She studied enough to pass, though not to top the class.

   UsageComes after the describing word: big enough (not incorrect: enough big). Then to + verb or for someone: old enough to drive.

   Similarsufficiently, adequately

   Oppositeinsufficiently, inadequately

2. 2
   sufficientlypronoun

   As great a quantity or number of something as is needed or wanted.

   We ordered sandwiches for twenty guests, and luckily there was enough to go around when a few extra people showed up.

   He took a little of each dish until he had enough on his plate.

   UsageHave had enough of something means you will not accept any more. Enough to go around means there is enough for everyone.

3. 3
   determiner

   As much or as many of something as is needed or wanted, usually placed before the noun and in older use after it.

   The town never raised enough money to rebuild the old bridge.

   I think you've had enough coffee for one afternoon.

   Similarsufficient, adequate

   Oppositeinsufficient

   Note

   In everyday use it stands before its noun, though older English could also put it after, as in time enough. Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

   • Enough could follow its noun in older English. en.wiktionary.org
4. 4
   fairlyadverb

   Following an adjective to mean fairly or quite, adding slight emphasis to the quality.

   He was pleasant enough when we met, if a little distant.

   The hotel was nice enough, though we spent most of our time at the beach.

   UsageOften faint praise: nice enough or pleasant enough suggests fine but not special.

   Similarfairly, quite, reasonably

   Note

   Here no requirement is being measured. In "ready enough to accept" or Shakespeare's "I know you well enough" in Much Ado About Nothing, the word simply nudges the adjective up a notch, toward fully or quite. Emerson Hough's The Purchase Price (1910) pushes further with "Dangerous enough you are," close to very. Because this use looks like the "sufficiently" meaning, ask whether some standard is being met. Source

   Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 4 facts

   • William Shakespeare wrote Much Ado About Nothing. en.wikipedia.org
   • The quoted words occur in Much Ado About Nothing, Act II, scene i; Ursula speaks them to Antonio. internetshakespeare.uvic.ca
   • Emerson Hough wrote The Purchase Price, published in 1910. gutenberg.org
   • The words 'Dangerous enough you are' occur in The Purchase Price, chapter I, in dialogue spoken by Captain Carlisle. gutenberg.org
5. 5
   surprise emphasisadverb

   Following certain adverbs such as 'oddly' or 'curiously' to emphasize that a quality is notable or unexpected.

   Funnily enough, the cheapest tool turned out to be the most reliable.

   Curiously enough, the same name appeared on both lists.

   UsageMostly in fixed pairs at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma: funnily enough, oddly enough, strangely enough.

   Note

   Take enough away and the meaning survives. What it adds is the speaker's raised eyebrow, a signal that what follows is worth noticing.

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