satisfy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "satisfy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to meeting a requirement, fulfilling a need, or pleasing someone. Example: "The new policy aims to satisfy the needs of all employees while maintaining productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Supposedly, or so I have heard, some expect my speech to pave the way for a fundamental reform of the European architecture, which will satisfy all kinds of alleged or actual British wishes.

The Guardian

"As well as having fewer resources at its disposal than its predecessor, the legacy investigations branch cannot itself satisfy [human rights] requirements … because of its lack of independence from the police service.

The Guardian

The EU's competition commissioner, Joaquín Almunia, had expressed scepticism that the Hinkley Point C scheme could satisfy the EU's stringent state aid criteria after the UK government agreed to underwrite the project with a loan guarantee and a commitment on the price of the electricity generated by the power station.

The Guardian

But one senior coalition figure said any concessions offered by the Germans would amount to "chickenfeed" that would not satisfy Tory eurosceptics.

The Guardian

Gone are the days when all you needed was a winning smile, helpfulness and the ability to operate a low-tech till to satisfy customer needs.

The Guardian

It stated: "It is also worth recalling previous intelligence to the effect that Mr Lynch's intelligence officers in Northern Ireland are Messrs Cooper, Currie, O'Hanlon and Hume, the latter having now publicly stated that only a United Ireland now will satisfy the minority".

The Guardian

In a 2011 magazine column, she wrote: I am yet to hear scientific evidence to satisfy me that if the very, very small amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (approximately 0.38%) was increased, it could lead to significant global warming.

The Guardian

But Donald revealed that such a deal was not enough to satisfy SLF rules as a five-year agreement was necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

New Zealand hoki carries the coveted logo of sustainability - but has to be flown unsustainably halfway round the world to satisfy the voracious needs of British canneries and supermarket shelves.

The Guardian

The condition was that Tsipras comes up with a reform programme that could satisfy lenders.

The Guardian - Business

But, with the change of rights holder, a mysterious sudden surge in rural interest ahead of the first BBC-broadcast final since 2009 resulted in the landlords of The Bull, the radio soap's pub, panicking that they couldn't afford a big-screen TV to satisfy demand for Arsenal v Aston Villa, and friends stepping in to help them out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "satisfy", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it about meeting a need, fulfilling a requirement, or pleasing someone? Choose synonyms that align with your intended meaning for greater precision.

Common error

While "satisfy" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your language sound repetitive. Vary your word choice by incorporating synonyms such as "meet", "fulfill", or "achieve" to enhance the sophistication and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "satisfy" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what is being fulfilled or who is being pleased. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, from satisfying needs to fulfilling requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "satisfy" is a versatile transitive verb used to express meeting a need, requirement, or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, business, and general contexts. While it is a common and useful term, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "meet" or "fulfill" can enhance your writing. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and adjust your word choice accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet

A simpler and more direct way to express fulfilling a requirement or need.

fulfill

Implies completing or achieving something desired or promised.

appease

Suggests pacifying someone by meeting their demands, often to avoid conflict.

gratify

Focuses on pleasing someone by giving them what they want.

content

Highlights the feeling of being happy or satisfied with something.

suffice

Indicates being adequate or enough to meet a need or requirement.

measure up to

Describes meeting expectations or standards.

live up to

Emphasizes fulfilling a promise or expectation.

quench

Used primarily for satisfying thirst, desire, or longing.

accommodate

Suggests making adjustments to meet someone's needs or preferences.

FAQs

How can I use "satisfy" in a sentence?

You can use "satisfy" to indicate meeting a requirement, fulfilling a need, or pleasing someone. For instance, "The new policy aims to satisfy the needs of all employees" or "The results did not satisfy the expectations of the investors".

What can I say instead of "satisfy"?

You can use alternatives like "meet", "fulfill", "appease" or "gratify" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "satisfy" or "satusfy"?

"Satisfy" is the correct spelling. "Satusfy" is a misspelling and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "satisfy" and "fulfill"?

"Satisfy" often implies meeting a minimum requirement or allaying a need, while "fulfill" suggests bringing something to completion or realizing a potential. For example, you might "satisfy" hunger with a snack, but "fulfill" a dream through hard work.