Talk:sufficient

RFV discussion: May–June 2018
"self-sufficient; self-satisfied; content." I assume this would be used to describe a person. Needs to be cited distinct from the other senses, if possible. Equinox ◑ 12:45, 6 May 2018 (UTC)


 * I have added three cites that I think meet this definition, but I am not 100% sure they are not just versions of one of the other definitions. Kiwima (talk) 01:07, 7 May 2018 (UTC)


 * I am sceptical: we have "sufficient to be his own counsellor" (cannot stand alone; it's not someone who was merely "sufficient", but someone who was sufficient TO BE OR DO something, which is covered by other senses); then the other two cites are "sufficient unto himself" and "sufficient unto themselves". That's just normal sufficiency/"enough-ness". I see no evidence that you can say "he was a very sufficient man" for instance. (I did google "a sufficient man" and yes there are cites but please don't add them because I don't think they capture the sense either.) Equinox ◑ 02:34, 7 May 2018 (UTC)


 * Yes, that is why I was somewhat doubtful. I am happy to let this one go. (And I DO find evidence for "he was a very sufficient man", but it seems to mean he has plenty of money). Kiwima (talk) 03:17, 7 May 2018 (UTC)

RFV-failed Kiwima (talk) 22:19, 9 June 2018 (UTC)

“Sufficient(ly)”: quantitative vs qualitative
Garner's reads Though both words were originally used in reference to quantity, adequate now tends toward the qualitative and sufficient toward the quantitative. However, Fowler says As an adjective (or modifier), enough will normally serve, but sufficient is more idiomatic when a more qualitative point is being made Which is correct? --Backinstadiums (talk) 16:36, 19 July 2021 (UTC)