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DictionarysufficeBeing enough
verb

suffice

suh-FYCE/səˈfaɪs/

Be enough for a purpose.

The pitcher suffices to fill the four waiting cups.

One modest pitcher fills exactly four waiting cups for four people, enough water for need.
Etymology
sufLatinup to
+ficeLatinmake, do

Behind the “up to” and “make/do” pieces is a Latin verb meaning “supply as a substitute” as well as “be enough.” The modern sense centers on meeting a need adequately.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain24:36
they found by my eating that a small quantity would not suffice me
1700s Satire: Jonathan Swift - Gulliver's Travels (Audiobook)

More examples

  • Two coats of paint should suffice.
  • Her brief explanation sufficed to clear up the confusion.
  • A phone call will suffice; you don't need to visit.

Forms

suffice · suffices · sufficed · sufficing

sufficient adjective — Adequate for a particular need or purpose.

sufficiency noun — The state of having enough for a purpose.

Similar words

do
A more informal way to say something is enough.
satisfy
Takes a requirement or need as its direct object.