What is sufficiently? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of sufficiently

sufficientlyadverb

/səˈfɪʃntli/
Definition & pronunciation of sufficiently

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sufficiently." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/səˈfɪʃ.ən.tli/

Let's break down each part:

  • sə - Sounds like "suh" (as in "sun") - a schwa sound (a very short, neutral vowel)
  • ˈfɪʃ - "fish" – the emphasis is on this syllable. The 'i' is pronounced like the 'i' in "bit".
  • ən - Sounds like "un" (as in "under") – another schwa.
  • t - Simple "t" sound, as in "top."
  • li - "lee" – as in "library."

2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Pronunciation:

  1. Start with “suh”: Begin with a short, unstressed "suh" sound.
  2. Add “fish”: Follow that with the word "fish," making sure to clearly pronounce the "i" as in "bit."
  3. Include “un”: Then add the short "un" sound.
  4. Final "t" and "lee": Finally, add the "t" and "lee" sound.

3. Listen to Examples:

  • Google Search: The best way to hear it correctly is to search for "how to pronounce sufficiently" on Google. You'll find audio clips from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, and other reputable sources.
  • Forvo: Forvo (https://forvo.com/word/sufficiently/) is an excellent website that allows you to hear the word spoken by native speakers from different regions.

4. Common Mistakes & Tips:

  • Don't over-emphasize: The first syllable ("suh") is very light. It’s not pronounced strongly.
  • Don't pronounce the "s": The "s" is often silent in this word. It’s a schwa sound at the beginning.
  • Practice slowly: Start by saying each syllable separately and slowly before trying to put it all together.

Resources:

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

  • Where are you from? (Knowing your native language can help me identify potential pronunciation challenges you might have.)

Usage and examples with the word sufficiently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sufficiently" in English. It's a slightly more formal and precise word than "enough," and it adds a nuance of quantity or degree.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Sufficiently" means "to a degree that is enough" or "more than enough." It emphasizes that something meets a minimum requirement or level.

2. Grammar & Usage:

  • Adverb: "Sufficiently" is almost always used as an adverb. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
  • Linking Verbs: It's most commonly used with linking verbs like be (is, are, was, were, been, being), seem, appear, feel, look, sound.

3. Examples:

Let's look at how it works with different sentence structures:

  • Modifying a Verb:

    • "The water was sufficiently warm for a bath." (The warmth was enough to take a bath.)
    • "He spoke sufficiently clearly for everyone to understand." (His speech was clear enough for understanding.)
    • “The data are sufficiently analyzed.” (The data have been analyzed to a proper degree.)

  • Modifying an Adjective:

    • "The evidence is sufficiently strong to convict him." (The evidence is strong enough to convict.)
    • "She had sufficiently good grades to get accepted." (She had good grades that were enough to be accepted.)

  • Modifying Another Adverb:

    • “He drove sufficiently slowly to avoid the accident.” (He drove slowly enough to avoid the accident.)

4. Contrast with “Enough”:

Here’s where it’s helpful to see the difference. "Enough" is more informal and generally implies a bare minimum. "Sufficiently" suggests a little bit more than just barely enough.

  • “Enough”: “I have enough food.” (Just enough to feed me.)
  • “Sufficiently”: “I have sufficiently food.” (I have more than enough; I could share some.) Note: Using "sufficiently" with a noun like "food" is less common and can sound a little stilted unless you want to really emphasize the abundance.

5. Common Phrases & Constructions:

  • "Sufficiently large/small/etc.": "The room was sufficiently large for our needs."
  • "Sufficiently satisfied/happy/etc.": "I was sufficiently satisfied with the results."

6. Things to Note:

  • Formality: "Sufficiently" is more formal than "enough." In casual conversation, you'll almost always use "enough."
  • Precision: Use “sufficiently” when you want to convey a specific degree of meeting a requirement.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., academic writing, business communication)?
  • Compare “sufficiently” with other similar words like “adequate,” “ample,” or “enough” further?

Synonyms for the word sufficiently

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