satisfactorily answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"satisfactorily answer" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a response that met expectations. For example: He satisfactorily answered all of the questions on the quiz.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

His future is a more thorny issue, one Electronic Earth doesn't satisfactorily answer.

The Guardian - Music

"Nor did it satisfactorily answer the questions raised by us and the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

Independent

The book does not satisfactorily answer whether Napster might have collapsed even without poor decision-making by management and investors.

The New York Times

I will never satisfactorily answer the question "Why?" because no matter what response I give, it will always fall short.

The New York Times

Until that changes, he said, the top riders will be asked questions that they can never satisfactorily answer.

The New York Times - Sports

Some argue that it is unethical to conduct a clinical trial that cannot satisfactorily answer the basic question of safety and efficacy.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But the question was never satisfactorily answered.

Independent

"I think he has satisfactorily answered that".

The New York Times

This question is never satisfactorily answered.

The Guardian - Film

And who decides? have still not been satisfactorily answered.

The New York Times - Books

The question keeps arising and has never been satisfactorily answered.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "satisfactorily answer", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a satisfactory response. This might involve setting specific criteria or expectations beforehand.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, avoid overusing "satisfactorily answer". Opt for more precise alternatives like "thoroughly address" or "comprehensively explain" to convey a higher level of detail and rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactorily answer" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing an answer that meets a certain standard or expectation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts where adequacy, rather than excellence, is the key criterion for the response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "satisfactorily answer" is a common way to describe a response that meets expectations or adequately addresses a question. Ludwig highlights its prevalent usage in news, science, and general knowledge contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and practical utility. While versatile, be mindful of the context, opting for more descriptive language in academic or formal settings where greater precision is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequately respond

Focuses on the adequacy of the response provided.

sufficiently address

Emphasizes addressing all aspects of a question or issue to a sufficient degree.

competently reply

Highlights the competence and skill in providing an answer.

acceptably explain

Focuses on providing an explanation that meets a certain level of acceptance.

effectively resolve

Highlights the effectiveness of the answer in resolving the issue.

fully elucidate

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of the explanation.

provide a convincing response

Highlights the persuasiveness and believability of the answer.

give a sound explanation

Indicates that the explanation is well-reasoned and solid.

handle the question well

Emphasizes the skill and expertise in managing the question and providing an answer.

answer to a reasonable standard

Focuses on answering the question at a fair level.

FAQs

How to use "satisfactorily answer" in a sentence?

You can use "satisfactorily answer" to describe a response that meets expectations or adequately addresses a question. For example: "He "satisfactorily answered" all the questions on the quiz."

What can I say instead of "satisfactorily answer"?

You can use alternatives like "adequately respond", "sufficiently address", or "competently reply" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "satisfactorily answer" or "satisfactory answer"?

"Satisfactory answer" is a noun phrase referring to an adequate response. "Satisfactorily answer" is a verb phrase, indicating the act of providing an adequate response. Choose the one that fits the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What's the difference between "satisfactorily answer" and "fully answer"?

"Satisfactorily answer" means to provide an answer that meets a certain requirement or expectation, while "fully answer" implies providing a complete and thorough answer. "Fully answer" suggests more detail and comprehensiveness than "satisfactorily answer".