Spell Bee Word: satisfactory

Basic Details

Word: Satisfactory

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Good enough for a need or a standard; acceptable, though not excellent.

Synonyms: acceptable, adequate, fair, decent

Antonyms: unsatisfactory, poor, inadequate

How to Spell Satisfactory

Syllables: sat - is - fac - to - ry

Tricky part: The fourth syllable is to, so the word ends in tory. Students who hear only a soft sound write satisfactary or satisfactery.

Watch out for: satisfactary, satisfectory, satisfactery

Memory tip: Satisfaction and satisfactory share their first nine letters, satisfact. One adds ion and the other adds ory.

Usage Examples

Example 1: The doctor said Grandpa's blood test results were satisfactory.

Example 2: Her handwriting is satisfactory, but it could be neater.

Example 3: The hotel room was small but satisfactory for one night.

Fun Fact

The word goes back to Latin satis, enough, and facere, to make. Something satisfactory has been made good enough.

Practise the CREST Way

Word Makeup

Choose the prefix that completes the word:

satisfactory

a) un
b) en
c) an
d) on

Word Cookie

Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:

satisf_ct_ry

a) a, o
b) e, e
c) a, a
d) e, o

Word Connection

Choose the antonym of the word: satisfactory

a) acceptable
b) decent
c) adequate
d) inadequate

Multiple Choice Questions

1. If your teacher calls your project satisfactory, it means the project ____.

a) was never handed in
b) is the best in the school
c) is completely wrong
d) is acceptable

2. A satisfactory meal is one that ____.

a) makes everyone ill
b) is the finest feast ever
c) was never cooked
d) is good enough to fill you up