different between satisfactory vs satisfy

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French satisfactoire, from Late Latin satisfact?rius, from Latin satisfactus, past participle of satisfaci?.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sæt?s?fækt(?)?i/
• Rhymes: -ækt??i

Adjective

satisfactory (comparative more satisfactory, superlative most satisfactory)

1. Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient.

   The satisfactory results of the survey led to his promotion.
2. Causing satisfaction; agreeable or pleasant; satisfying.
3. (theology) Making atonement for a sin; expiatory.

Usage notes

Although structurally similar (both being derived from satisfy and describing that which produces satisfaction), satisfactory (def. 1) and satisfying differ in connotation. Satisfactory connotes "adequate, conforming to standards," while satisfying connotes "pleasing, or sufficient to remove any feeling of lack." An answer to a question or the outcome of a situation, for example, could be satisfactory without being satisfying, if it met the requirements but left one wanting more.

Derived terms

• satisfactorily (adv)
• unsatisfactory (adj)

Related terms

• satisfaction (n)
• satisfied (adj)

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English satisfyen, satisfien, from Old French satisfiier, satisfier (also Old French satisfaire), from Latin satisfacere, present active infinitive of satisfaci?, from satis (“enough, sufficient”) + faci? (“I make, I do”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?sæt?sfa?/
• Hyphenation: sat?is?fy

Verb

satisfy (third-person singular simple present satisfies, present participle satisfying, simple past and past participle satisfied)

1. (transitive, intransitive) To do enough for; to meet the needs of; to fulfill the wishes or requirements of.

   I'm not satisfied with the quality of the food here.
2. (transitive) To cause (a sentence) to be true when the sentence is interpreted in one's universe.

   The complex numbers satisfy ${\displaystyle \exists x:x^{2}+1=0}$.

3. (dated, literary, transitive) To convince by ascertaining; to free from doubt.
   • October 28, 1705, Francis Atterbury, a sermon

     The standing evidences of the truth of the gospel are in themselves most firm, solid, and satisfying.

   • 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 19

     I was resolved to satisfy myself whether this ragged Elijah was really dogging us or not, and with that intent crossed the way with Queequeg, and on that side of it retraced our steps.
4. (transitive) To pay to the extent of what is claimed or due.

   to satisfy a creditor

5. (transitive) To answer or discharge (a claim, debt, legal demand, etc.); to give compensation for.

   to satisfy a claim or an execution

Antonyms

• (meet needs, fulfill): disappoint
• dissatisfy

Related terms

• satisfaction
• satisfactory
• satisfice
• satiate
• satiation
• satiety

Translations

Further reading

• satisfy in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• satisfy in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• satisfy at OneLook Dictionary Search