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REFERENCE

satisfy

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsætəsˌfaɪ// UK //sˈætɪsfˌaɪ// sat·is·fy Archaic General-service Literary

v. to give someone what they need or want so they are happy. It can also mean to finish a task or meet a rule that is required.

v. to fulfil a need, desire, or expectation; to meet the requirements of a specific condition or obligation. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the need or the person being pleased.


SIMPLE

The cold water helped satisfy his thirst after the long run.

CONTEXTUAL

The applicant must satisfy all the legal requirements before the government will issue a business license.

COMPLEX

While the initial settlement may satisfy the immediate financial claims, it fails to address the underlying systemic issues that led to the dispute in the first place.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English satisfyen, satisfien, from Old French satisfiier, satisfier (also Old French satisfaire), from Latin satisfacere, from satis (“enough, sufficient”) + faciō (“to make; to do”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In formal contexts, it often pairs with abstract nouns like 'requirements', 'conditions', or 'obligations'.

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