verb · B1

Satisfy

SAT-isf-eye/ˈsætɪsfaɪ/

To satisfy is to please someone by being good enough, or to meet a rule: satisfy the criteria. Satisfied is already in the dictionary. Please is everyday and more emotional. Exam boards: the evidence did not satisfy the appeal panel.

Meaning

To please someone by being good enough, or to meet a rule or need.

Examples

“The evidence did not satisfy the exam board, so the appeal failed.”
“A hot meal may satisfy hunger; it does not satisfy a safeguarding check.”

Good to know

satisfy + a person / a requirement / criteria. Adjective: satisfied. Noun: satisfaction. Exams / contracts. Not “satisfice” in B1 news.

Near in meaning

please

New