What does satisfy mean?
Satisfy means to meet a need, fulfill a requirement, or provide enough of something to bring contentment. The word is used when a person, result, or action addresses what is wanted or expected: a solution may satisfy a problem, an explanation may satisfy curiosity, and a meal may satisfy hunger. Satisfying can also mean causing contentment, as in a deeply satisfying achievement. In legal and financial contexts, satisfy refers to dealing fully with an obligation, such as a debt or condition. The related noun satisfaction suggests both the fulfillment of a requirement and the positive feeling that results. Although satisfy is often associated with formal writing and business or legal language, it is entirely standard in everyday speech. Its usefulness lies in expressing not merely the presence of something but the completion of what is required or desired.
verbTo meet or fulfill a need, requirement, or desire. It can also mean to provide enough of something to content someone or relieve a feeling of hunger, curiosity, or dissatisfaction.
- To meet or fulfill a need, requirement, condition, or desire.
- To make someone content or give them a feeling of adequacy.
- To discharge or fully deal with an obligation, debt, or claim.
- To convince oneself through reasoning or examination.
"The explanation satisfied everyone’s curiosity about the unusual design."
"The company worked to satisfy demand without compromising on quality."
"After reviewing the figures, she satisfied herself that the accounts were accurate."
Satisfy comes from Latin satis, meaning “enough,” and facere, meaning “to make”—literally, “to make enough.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of satisfy
The word entered Middle English from Old French, ultimately deriving from Latin satisfacere. The Latin verb was formed from satis, meaning “enough,” and facere, meaning “to make,” so its original sense was to make sufficient or fulfill what was required. Over time, English developed the related senses of providing contentment and convincing or contenting someone.
Related word forms
How satisfy is actually used
Satisfy is formal but widely used in standard English in both British and American varieties. It is often transitive, taking a need, requirement, person, or desire as its object; in the sense of convincing oneself, the usual form is “satisfy oneself.”
Easily confused with satisfy
Satisfy is the general word for meeting a need or making someone content, while sate usually means to fully satisfy an appetite or desire.