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enough

UK[ɪˈnʌf]US[ɪˈnʌf]
det

As much or as many as required

pron

A sufficient amount or quantity

adv

To the required degree or extent; sufficiently

interj

Used to express that one is unwilling to tolerate any more of something undesirable

Etymology

The word 'enough' originates from the Old English 'genōg', which itself evolved from the Proto-Germanic 'ganōgaz', meaning 'sufficient'. This Germanic root is linked to the Proto-Indo-European 'h₂eh₂nóḱe', a form related to reaching or attaining. The semantic core of sufficiency or adequacy has remained remarkably stable from its ancient origins. The modern spelling and pronunciation crystallized in Middle English, shedding the initial 'g-' and solidifying the now-familiar '-ough' ending, a notorious but fixed English spelling pattern.

Analysis

The word 'enough' is a simplex word derived from Old English. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in Modern English.

Examples

We have enough food for everyone at the party.

You've practiced enough for today; you should rest.

Enough! I don't want to hear another excuse.

enough – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology