sufficiently
- 1To an extent that is enough to meet a requirement or reach a desired level.
The bridge must be sufficiently strong to carry heavy trucks during peak hours.
The solution was sufficiently concentrated for the reaction to proceed.
Similaradequately, enough
Oppositeinsufficiently, inadequately
Note
Here the adverb comes before an adjective or another adverb, as in sufficiently long sticks or sufficiently strong, and it sets a bar that something must clear. What follows often names that bar: an infinitive (sufficiently strong to carry), a for-phrase, or a that-clause (value a seat sufficiently highly that they prefer the slower line). Enough does the same work but comes after its adjective (long enough).
- 2In a manner that adequately meets a need or standard.
The lawyer explained the contract sufficiently for everyone in the room to understand it.
The new hires were trained sufficiently before the busy season began.
Similaradequately, satisfactorily, enough
Oppositeinsufficiently, inadequately
Note
Placed after its verb, the word answers "how well was it done?": people eat and drink sufficiently, and staff are trained sufficiently. That position separates it from the degree reading, which sits in front of an adjective and measures a quality. Enough can replace it here with no change in meaning, and enough also follows the verb.
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Origin
Formed from the adjective "sufficient" with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."