Satisfy
v.capable, hopefulwarm
Meaning 1
To meet a need, desire, expectation, or curiosity.
Reach for it when describing fulfillment without inflating it into delight
The clear explanation satisfied the students' curiosity.
Choose between these
5- everyday
answer
when a question or curiosity is resolved
not when An answer can be correct without satisfying the listener.
- everyday
when creating positive feeling is the main effect
not when Pleasure can occur without meeting the actual need.
- warm
when meeting a need or aspiration completely is central
not when Fulfill is stronger and often more enduring.
- formal
when giving desired pleasure is intended
not when Gratify can suggest indulgence.
- literary
when making someone calmly satisfied suits the prose
not when Content as a verb sounds formal and may imply settling.
Meaning 2
To meet a requirement, standard, condition, or burden of proof.
Reach for it when describing objective compliance supported by evidence
The revised railing satisfies the current safety standard.
Choose between these
5- everyday
pass
when a test or threshold is cleared
not when Passing may occur at the minimum and does not satisfy broader goals.
- professional
comply with
when conformity to a rule is precise
not when Compliance is narrower than satisfying evidence or design criteria.
- professional
when every stated condition is completed
not when Fulfill can describe duty without independent verification.
- professional
meet
when a requirement or standard is attained
not when Meeting a threshold need not fulfill the wider purpose.
- formal
discharge
when a legal duty or burden is completed
not when Discharge is too technical for ordinary requirements.
Said against
4- frustrate
- disappoint
- violate
- fail
It naturally appears in
4- satisfy a need
The mobile clinic can satisfy a need the central hospital cannot reach.
- satisfy curiosity
The open archive should satisfy curiosity without exposing private records.
- satisfy the criteria
Every application must satisfy the criteria published in advance.
- satisfy a requirement
The handrail must satisfy a requirement for continuous grip.
The word family
2Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English verb sense 1: meet a desire, need, or expectation opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English verb sense 2: fulfill a condition or requirement opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.