satisfactory
UK[ˌsætɪsˈfæktəri]US[ˌsætɪsˈfæktəri]
adj
good enough for a particular purpose; acceptable.
adj
fulfilling expectations or needs.
Morpheme Breakdown
satis
fact
ory
satis
enough
fact
make, do
ory
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'satisfactory' has a clear logical construction from its latin components. it originates from the latin verb 'satis facere', meaning 'to do enough, to make sufficient'. the past participle stem 'fact-' (from 'facere', to make) combined with 'satis' formed the late latin term 'satisfactorius'. this entered middle english via old french. the literal sense of 'making enough' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being adequate or fulfilling requirements, perfectly capturing the idea that something has been done sufficiently to meet a standard or expectation.
Analysis
Structure: satis (enough) + fact (make, do) + ory (adjective suffix)
- satis: from latin 'satis', meaning 'enough, sufficient'.
- fact: from latin 'facere', meaning 'to make, to do'.
- ory: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'pertaining to, serving for'.
Examples
the student's progress this term has been satisfactory.
we hope to find a satisfactory solution to the problem.
the quality of the work was deemed satisfactory by the inspector.