Adequately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adequately

[หˆรฆdษชkwษ™tli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a satisfactory or acceptable manner

Adequately is an adverb that means to do something in a satisfactory or acceptable manner. It implies that the action or task is performed to a sufficient degree. Adequately can be used to describe how well something is done or how well it meets the required standards.

Synonyms

competently, satisfactorily, sufficiently.

Examples of usage

  • The project was completed adequately within the given time frame.
  • She was able to adequately address all the concerns raised during the meeting.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often perceive adequacy in terms of satisfactionโ€”when a need is met, but not exceeded, it creates a feeling of contentment.
  • In decision-making, adequacy can influence choices, where individuals opt for options that are 'good enough' rather than optimal.
  • The 'satisficing' concept introduced by Herbert Simon describes this behavior: people often settle for adequate solutions due to time constraints.

Education

  • In educational settings, adequacy can refer to the minimum standards necessary for students to demonstrate understanding.
  • Adequate resources in schools are crucial for fostering learning, influencing both the environment and outcomes.
  • Teaching techniques often aim for adequacy, ensuring students grasp essential concepts without overwhelming them.

Business

  • In business, products or services are often measured on an adequacy scale to ensure they meet customer expectations without excess.
  • The concept of 'adequate capital' is vital for startups, suggesting they need just enough funds to grow without overspending.
  • Efficiency in operations often hinges on maintaining adequacy in resource allocation, ensuring tasks are completed effectively but without waste.

Origin of 'adequately'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'adequatus', which means 'equal to' or 'sufficient'.
  • It was first used in English around the early 19th century, reflecting evolving standards of necessity.
  • The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' and 'aequus' means 'level' or 'equal', suggesting a balance.

The word 'adequately' originated from the Latin word 'adequฤtus', which means 'made equal'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of adequacy has been a key principle in various fields such as philosophy, psychology, and education, emphasizing the idea of meeting the necessary requirements or standards.


See also: adequacy, inadequate, inadequately.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,325, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.