Definition

Verb: - To be enough or adequate in quantity, quality, or degree to meet a particular need or purpose.

Usage

The verb "suffice" is used to indicate that something is sufficient. It is often followed by "for" to specify the need or person, or by an infinitive ("to" + verb) to specify the purpose. - It can be used intransitively (without a direct object). - It can be used transitively in a formal or literary style, meaning "to be enough for (someone or something)."

Examples

• Intransitive use:
  • A simple apology will suffice.
  • If you are cold, a light jacket should suffice.
• Followed by "for":
  • This amount of food will suffice for the entire week.
  • One example should suffice for our discussion.
• Followed by an infinitive:
  • His qualifications suffice to get him an interview.
  • The evidence did not suffice to prove guilt.

Advanced Usage

• "Suffice it to say...": A fixed phrase used to indicate that what one is about to say should be enough to explain or understand a situation, without giving further details.
  • Suffice it to say, the project was not a success.
  • I won't go into all the reasons; suffice it to say we had to cancel.

Variants and Related Words

• Sufficient (adjective): Enough; adequate.
  • We have sufficient time to finish.
• Sufficiency (noun): An adequate amount.
  • A sufficiency of supplies was delivered.
• Sufficingly (adverb): (Rare) In a sufficient manner.

Synonyms

• Be enough
• Be adequate
• Serve
• Do
• Answer (a purpose/need)

Antonyms

• Be insufficient
• Be inadequate
• Lack
• Fall short

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Suffice it to say": As mentioned in Advanced Usage, this is the primary idiomatic expression using "suffice."

Verb

1. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
   • A few words would answer
   • This car suits my purpose well
   • Will $100 do?
   • A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school
   • Nothing else will serve