suffice

/səˈfaɪs/

/səˈfaɪs/

Other forms: sufficed; suffices; sufficing

To suffice is to be enough, in either quality or quantity. It may not be gourmet all the time, but if your food is healthy, it will suffice.

The word suffice comes from a combination of the Latin words sub ("under") and facere ("make") that together mean "meet the need of." This need is usually the bare minimum — no leftovers, nothing fancy. The common phrase "Suffice it to say" means "I'll just say" or "All that needs to be said is...."

Definitions of suffice

1. verb

   be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
   “A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school”

   synonyms: answer, do, serve

   types:

   bridge over, keep going, tide over

   suffice for a period between two points

   go a long way

   suffice or be adequate for a while or to a certain extent

   function, serve

   serve a purpose, role, or function

   measure up, qualify

   prove capable or fit; meet requirements

   go around

   be sufficient

   prelude

   serve as a prelude or opening to

   act as

   function as or act like

   type of:

   fulfil, fulfill, live up to, satisfy

   meet the requirements or expectations of