Meaning & use
satisfyingly
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In a way that gives deep pleasure because something works, fits or turns out just right.
Grammar: Modifies adjectives or verbs: satisfyingly crisp; the pieces clicked satisfyingly into place.
Patterns
- satisfyingly adjective
- verb satisfyingly
The lid snapped satisfyingly into place.
The cookies were satisfyingly crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
The final chapter ties the story together satisfyingly.
adverbnot comparable
To a degree that gives a pleasing sense of fullness or completeness, often about food or effort.
Grammar: Often used before adjectives such as heavy, solid or full.
Patterns
- satisfyingly heavy
- satisfyingly full
The bread was satisfyingly dense and filling.
After the hike, her legs felt satisfyingly tired.
The book has a satisfyingly solid weight in the hand.
Common combinations
- satisfyingly crunchy
- The apple was satisfyingly crunchy.
- satisfyingly complete
- The collection felt satisfyingly complete after the last piece arrived.
- satisfyingly simple
- The solution was satisfyingly simple.
- satisfyingly heavy
- The pan has a satisfyingly heavy base.
- click satisfyingly
- The switch clicks satisfyingly under your finger.
Synonyms and how they differ
- pleasingly
- Pleasingly is more general, whereas satisfyingly adds a sense of something fitting or being completed.
- gratifyingly
- Gratifyingly suggests pleasure at a result or praise, while satisfyingly can describe physical sensations.
- adequately
- Adequately only means well enough, so it lacks the pleasure that satisfyingly carries.
Opposites
Word family
- satisfy verb
- to please or meet a need
- satisfying adjective
- giving pleasure or fulfilment
- satisfaction noun
- the feeling of being pleased or having needs met
- unsatisfying adjective
- not giving pleasure
Commonly confused: satisfyingly or satisfyingly vs. satisfactorily?
satisfyingly vs satisfyingly vs. satisfactorily
Satisfyingly gives pleasure, while satisfactorily means in a way that is good enough or meets requirements.
Practice
The drawer slid ___ shut with a soft, solid click.
Choose one answer.
Satisfyingly describes a pleasing sensation, like the click. Satisfactorily only means well enough, sufficiently means enough, and satisfied is an adjective.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “satisfyingly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.