suffice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral. More common in written and formal spoken English than in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “suffice” mean?
To be enough or adequate for a purpose or need.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be enough or adequate for a purpose or need.
To meet the minimum requirements; to be sufficient or satisfactory, often implying a bare minimum rather than abundance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase 'suffice it to say' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. In American English, 'be enough' is often preferred in casual speech.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English in formal writing, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “suffice” in a Sentence
[Suffice] + (for + NP)[Suffice] + to-infinitiveIt + [suffices] + that-clause[Suffice] it + to say + that-clauseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suffice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- A simple apology will suffice.
- It suffices to note the main objection.
- Will £20 suffice for the taxi fare?
American English
- Your signature here will suffice.
- For now, a quick email suffices.
- One coat of paint should suffice.
adverb
British English
- The adverb form is 'sufficiently', not 'suffice'. E.g., 'The room was sufficiently warm.'
American English
- The adverb form is 'sufficiently', not 'suffice'. E.g., 'He prepared sufficiently for the exam.'
adjective
British English
- The adjective form is 'sufficient', not 'suffice'. E.g., 'We have sufficient evidence.'
American English
- The adjective form is 'sufficient', not 'suffice'. E.g., 'Is there sufficient time?'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports or proposals: 'A brief summary will suffice for the board.'
Academic
Common in philosophical or logical arguments: 'For the proof, it suffices to consider two cases.'
Everyday
Less common; often replaced by 'be enough': 'Two bottles of water should be enough for the trip.'
Technical
Used in computing and mathematics to indicate a minimum condition: 'A single test case suffices to demonstrate the bug.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suffice”
- Using 'suffice' without 'to' (e.g., 'This will suffice for explain' instead of '...to explain').
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'This is a suffice solution' – correct adjective is 'sufficient').
- Overusing in casual speech where 'be enough' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal and written English. In everyday conversation, 'be enough' is often preferred.
It is typically followed by 'to' + infinitive ('suffice to prove') or 'for' + noun phrase ('suffice for our needs'). The fixed phrase 'suffice it to say' is an exception.
No. The adjective form is 'sufficient'. Using 'suffice' as an adjective (e.g., 'a suffice amount') is incorrect.
It is an idiom used to indicate that you are only going to give a brief summary or hint, because the full details are not necessary, obvious, or appropriate to give.
To be enough or adequate for a purpose or need.
Suffice: in British English it is pronounced /səˈfaɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈfaɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Suffice it to say”
- “Suffice to say”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SUFFICE as having enough 'stuff' (SUFF-) to be satisFICEd (satisfied).
Conceptual Metaphor
ADEQUACY IS FULFILLING A CONTAINER (e.g., 'The evidence suffices to fill the requirement').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'suffice' correctly?