Basic Details
Word: Adequate
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Enough in quantity or quality to meet a certain need or standard.
Synonyms: Sufficient, enough, acceptable
Antonyms: Insufficient, inadequate, unsatisfactory
Idioms and Phrases
- Good enough for government work: This means that something is considered adequate even though it may not be perfect. Example: "The repairs on the road are good enough for government work, so we can safely use it now."
- Cut the mustard: This phrase means to perform adequately or meet the required standard. Example: "She practiced for hours, and now she can cut the mustard in the school play."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher said my project was adequate, but I could make it better by adding more details.
Example 2: We need to ensure that the supplies we ordered are adequate for the whole event.
Example 3: Although his explanation was adequate, I still had more questions about the topic.
Fun Fact
The word "adequate" comes from the Latin word "adequatus," which means "equal to." It has been used in English since the early 16th century, indicating something that meets a necessary standard but is not necessarily more than that.
Famous Quote
"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." Ralph Marston
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "adequate" mean?
a) More than enough
b) Not enough
c) Enough to meet a need
d) Very little
Answer: c) Enough to meet a need
2. Which of these is a synonym of "adequate"?
a) Insufficient
b) Satisfactory
c) Excellent
d) Excessive
Answer: b) Satisfactory
3. Which of these is an antonym of "adequate"?
a) Enough
b) Sufficient
c) Inadequate
d) Acceptable
Answer: c) Inadequate
4. Which sentence uses "adequate" correctly?
a) The food at the party was inadequate and everyone left hungry.
b) The students found the study materials adequate for their exams.
c) He was never adequate in sports; it was never fun.
d) The dress was adequate; she wore it to the ball.
Answer: b) The students found the study materials adequate for their exams.
5. What does the idiom "cut the mustard" mean?
a) To meet the required standard
b) To grow a mustard plant
c) To eat something
d) To prepare mustard
Answer: a) To meet the required standard
