What is sufficient? Pronunciation and usage in English

sufficient means . Learn how to pronounce and use sufficient through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sufficient

sufficientadjective

/səˈfɪʃnt/
Definition & pronunciation of sufficient

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sufficient." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

  • The word is divided into three syllables: suh - fi - shuhnt

2. Sounds:

  • “suh”: This sounds just like "suh" as in "sugar."
  • “fi”: This sounds exactly like the letter "f" followed by the letter "i" – as in "fish."
  • “shuhnt”: This is the trickiest part! Let's break it down further:
    • “sh”: Pronounced like the "sh" in "ship."
    • “uh”: A short, relaxed "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about." (Think of it as a very quick "uh")
    • “nt”: This makes a nasal "n" sound – the air comes out of your nose. It’s very important to make this sound nasal.

3. Putting it all together:

So, the entire word sounds like: “suh-fi-shuhnt”

4. Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasize the first syllable ("suh"): It's the strongest syllable in the word.
  • Don’t over-pronounce the "shuhnt": Keep it relatively quick and smooth. Don't draw it out.
  • The “nt” is key: Make sure that "nt" is nasalized – you should feel the sound resonate in your nose. If you’re not sure, try saying “ant” and feel the nasal resonance.

Resources to help you:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/sufficient/ - This website has audio pronunciations by native speakers. Listen to several and try to imitate them.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce sufficient" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word “sufficient”?

Usage and examples with the word sufficient in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sufficient" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it can be tricky because its meaning and usage aren't always immediately obvious.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "sufficient" means enough. It indicates that something is adequate or meets a requirement.

2. Parts of Speech & How to Use It:

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. It describes things (nouns) as being enough.

    • Example: "I have sufficient money to buy the groceries." (The money is enough.)
    • Example: "There is sufficient evidence to prove his guilt." (The evidence is enough to prove guilt.)
    • Example: “He provided sufficient information for the project.” (He gave enough information.)

  • Adverb: Less common, but still important. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, emphasizing that something is completely enough.

    • Example: "The food was sufficiently tasty." (The food was completely tasty enough; it met the standard of tastiness.)
    • Example: "It's sufficiently clear that he made a mistake.” (It's completely clear.)

3. Common Phrases & Expressions:

  • Sufficient reason: A good enough reason for something to happen.

    • Example: "His lateness was due to sufficient reason – he had a flat tire."

  • Sufficient cause: A reason that is legally or officially acceptable.

    • Example: “He claimed sufficient cause for missing the meeting.”

  • Sufficient evidence: Enough evidence to support a claim.

    • Example: “The police are looking for sufficient evidence to arrest him.”

  • Sufficient funds: Enough money.

    • Example: “We need sufficient funds to complete the project.”

4. Distinguishing from Similar Words:

  • Enough: “Enough” is often simpler and more direct. "Sufficient" implies a slightly more formal or precise degree of adequacy.
  • Adequate: "Adequate" also means "enough," but it often suggests just meeting a minimum standard. "Sufficient" implies exceeding that minimum in some way – it's more than just adequate.

5. Examples in Sentences (Illustrating different usages):

  • Positive: “The amount of water is sufficient for the plants to grow.”
  • Negative (implying not enough): “There wasn’t sufficient time to finish the project.”
  • Emphatic (using as an adverb): “The solution is sufficiently complex to require expert analysis.”

Resources for More Examples & Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "sufficient" in? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking in a presentation, a casual conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you've written or are trying to write where you're considering using "sufficient"?

Synonyms for the word sufficient

Practice with vocabulary sufficient

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team realized that the initial budget allocated was not _______ to cover the unexpected material costs.
  2. For the experiment to yield reliable results, it is imperative that the sample size be statistically _______.
  3. The city council passed a resolution to ensure all residents have _______ access to public transportation, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
  4. In a rapidly changing market, companies must adopt a more _______ business model to remain competitive.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe a situation where the available resources meet the required standards or amount, without being excessive? a) plentiful b) redundant c) sufficient d) abundant e) ample

  2. To successfully complete the advanced certification, candidates must demonstrate a(n) _______ understanding of complex algorithms and data structures. a) rudimentary b) exhaustive c) superficial d) sufficient e) comprehensive

  3. The legal team argued that the evidence presented was not _______ to secure a conviction. a) compelling b) persuasive c) sufficient d) negligible e) inadequate

  4. Before implementing the new policy, it's crucial to conduct a _______ analysis of its potential impact on employee morale. a) cursory b) thorough c) superficial d) perfunctory

  5. The architect proposed a _______ design for the new community center that seamlessly integrates modern aesthetics with environmental sustainability. a) conventional b) innovative c) outdated d) traditional

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The amount of data collected was not enough to draw a definitive conclusion. Rewrite using "sufficient" or a related word form:

  2. Her presentation was convincing enough to secure the necessary funding for the startup. Rewrite using "sufficient" or a related word form:

  3. It is absolutely necessary for all participants to read the safety guidelines before starting the activity. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "necessary" (do not use "sufficient"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team realized that the initial budget allocated was not sufficient to cover the unexpected material costs.
  2. For the experiment to yield reliable results, it is imperative that the sample size be statistically sufficient.
  3. The city council passed a resolution to ensure all residents have adequate access to public transportation, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
  4. In a rapidly changing market, companies must adopt a more resilient business model to remain competitive.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) sufficient, e) ample
  2. d) sufficient, e) comprehensive
  3. a) compelling, b) persuasive, c) sufficient
  4. b) thorough
  5. b) innovative

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The amount of data collected was not sufficient to draw a definitive conclusion.
  2. Her presentation was sufficiently convincing to secure the necessary funding for the startup.
  3. It is imperative for all participants to read the safety guidelines before starting the activity.

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