ENGLISH
REFERENCE

satisfying

adj. · v.
US //ˈsætɪsˌfaɪɪŋ// UK //sˈætɪsfˌaɪɪŋ// sat·is·fy·ing
  1. 1 pleasing or fulfilling (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    giving you a sense of pleasure or happiness because you have achieved or received what you wanted.

    providing fulfillment or gratification by meeting a requirement, desire, or expectation.

    Example

    It was very satisfying to finally finish the difficult puzzle after three days.

    Example

    The team found it deeply satisfying to see their long-term research project finally receive international recognition from the scientific community.

    Pitfall
    I am very satisfying with my new job.
    I am very satisfied with my new job.

    Use 'satisfying' for the thing that causes the feeling (the job) and 'satisfied' for the person who has the feeling (you).

  2. 2 sensory pleasure (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    describing something that feels, looks, or sounds perfect in a way that is relaxing to watch or hear.

    evoking a specific neurocognitive pleasure through sensory input, often characterized by order, precision, or tactile smoothness.

    Example

    Watching the baker cut the dough into perfect circles is strangely satisfying.

    Example

    The video featured a series of satisfying clips, such as hydraulic presses crushing objects and paint being mixed into perfectly uniform shades.

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  1. 3 meeting a need (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the action of giving someone what they need or making a requirement true.

    the present participle or gerund of 'satisfy', referring to the act of fulfilling a condition or providing what is required.

    Example

    Satisfying all the entry requirements for the university took a lot of hard work.

    Example

    By satisfying the strict safety criteria set by the regulators, the company was able to launch its product ahead of the competition.

    Usage

    Often used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence.

Origin

From satisfy + -ing.

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