What does suffice mean?
Word: Suffice
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Suffice means to be enough for what is needed.
Synonyms: serve, do
Word origin: Came into English through Old French from Latin.
How do you spell suffice?
Syllables: suf - fice
Tricky part: The end is the trap. Students write ise or yce after hearing it, but the spelling is ice.
Watch out for: suffise, suffyce, suffize
Memory tip: On a hot day a single cube of ice will suffice for a glass of water.
Idioms and Phrases
- suffice (it) to say: what you are about to say is all that needs saying, even though more could be added. Example: "Suffice it to say, the cake did not last until lunch."
Suffice in a sentence
Example 1: A short note of thanks will suffice.
Example 2: One torch should suffice for the walk back to the tent.
Example 3: Two hours of revision won't suffice for a paper this long.
Fun Fact
Long ago its Latin parent meant to put something underneath as a support, and the sense of supplying what is needed grew from there.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
su__ice
a) pf
b) ph
c) ft
d) ff
Show answer
d) ff. This word doubles its consonant, just as offer and differ do.
Sound Check
Which word does not rhyme with suffice?
a) device
b) office
c) entice
d) precise
Show answer
b) office. Office closes on a short is sound, however much it looks like the others.
Word Champ
Choose the correct word for the blank:
I had a big lunch, so two samosas will ____ for me.
a) surface
b) subside
c) suffuse
d) suffice
Show answer
d) suffice. Only this verb fits a small amount being all that the speaker needs.
Jumble Tumble
What is the meaning of the word that can be formed from the given letters?
ifeusfc
a) to meet a need with nothing more called for
b) to make something look larger than it really is
c) to bear a long wait without any complaint
d) to ask for more than is fair or reasonable
Show answer
a) to meet a need with nothing more called for. The letters give a formal verb, used when a small amount does the job.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. 'Your word will suffice,' said the librarian. What did she mean?
a) She had lost the list of words.
b) A promise was all she needed.
c) She wanted a longer answer.
d) She wanted a signed form.
Show answer
b) A promise was all she needed.
2. A recipe says a pinch of salt will suffice. How much salt should you add?
a) at least two full spoons
b) only a small amount
c) as much as you like
d) a whole packet of it
Show answer
b) only a small amount
