satisfactory

== English == === Etymology === Borrowed from Middle French satisfactoire, from Late Latin satisfactōrius, from Latin satisfactus, past participle of satisfaciō. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /sætɪsˈfækt(ə)ɹi/ Rhymes: -æktəɹi === Adjective === satisfactory (comparative more satisfactory, superlative most satisfactory) Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient. Causing satisfaction; agreeable or pleasant; satisfying. (theology) Making atonement for a sin; expiatory. ==== Usage notes ==== Although structurally similar (both being derived from satisfy and describing that which produces satisfaction), satisfactory (def. 1) and satisfying differ in connotation. Satisfactory connotes "adequate, conforming to standards," while satisfying connotes "pleasing, or sufficient to remove any feeling of lack." An answer to a question or the outcome of a situation, for example, could be satisfactory without being satisfying, if it met the requirements but left one wanting more. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== satisfaction (n) satisfied (adj) ==== Translations ==== === Noun === satisfactory (plural satisfactories) Somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them. The rating given to somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.