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A1 noun #831 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

satisfied

Top 831

At the A1 level, 'satisfied' is a very useful word to express that you are happy with something simple. You might use it after eating a meal or when you finish a small task. It is a step up from just saying 'happy' or 'good.' At this stage, you should focus on the basic sentence: 'I am satisfied.' You can use it to tell a teacher you understand a lesson or to tell a friend you like the movie you just watched. It helps you show that you don't need anything else. It is an important word for basic needs and polite conversation. You should learn to pair it with 'with,' like 'I am satisfied with my water.' This shows you have what you need and you are pleased.

For A2 learners, 'satisfied' becomes a tool for basic feedback. You can use it in shops or restaurants to talk to staff. You might say, 'I am satisfied with the service' or 'I am not satisfied with this room.' It allows you to express a level of quality. You also start to use it with adverbs like 'very' or 'quite.' At this level, you are beginning to understand that 'satisfied' is about a result. If you do your homework and it is correct, you feel satisfied. You are also learning the negative form 'not satisfied.' It is a key word for surviving in an English-speaking environment where you need to give your opinion on things you buy or do.

At the B1 level, you can use 'satisfied' to describe more complex feelings and situations. You might talk about being satisfied with your job, your progress in a hobby, or a decision made by a group. You understand the difference between 'satisfied' and 'content.' You also start to use the 'satisfied that' structure, which means you are sure about something. For example, 'I am satisfied that I made the right choice.' This shows a higher level of thinking. You can also use it in the passive voice in more formal writing, such as 'The requirements were satisfied.' You are moving beyond simple happiness into the realm of professional and logical fulfillment.

B2 learners should be able to use 'satisfied' with a wide range of adverbs to show nuance, such as 'perfectly satisfied,' 'entirely satisfied,' or 'largely satisfied.' You understand the subtle difference between 'dissatisfied' (unhappy) and 'unsatisfied' (not completed). You can use the word in debates or essays to discuss whether a policy has satisfied the needs of the public. You also recognize the word in idiomatic expressions and can use it to describe an attributive quality, like 'a satisfied look' or 'a satisfied customer base.' Your use of the word is now precise, and you can distinguish it from synonyms like 'gratified' or 'satiated' based on the context.

At the C1 level, you use 'satisfied' with total fluency and can appreciate its use in literature and high-level academic writing. You understand the philosophical implications of being satisfied—the idea of reaching a state where no further action is required. You can use it in legal or technical contexts, such as 'satisfying a lien' or 'satisfying a mathematical equation.' You are aware of the word's history and how its meaning has shifted slightly over time. You can use it ironically or sarcastically if the situation calls for it. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'satisfied' is just one of many options you have to describe fulfillment, and you choose it specifically for its connotations of meeting a standard or a requirement.

For C2 speakers, 'satisfied' is a word you can manipulate to show extreme precision. You understand its role in the 'satiety' of complex systems, from economics to biology. You can discuss the 'satisfied' state of a market or the 'satisfied' requirements of a complex legal treaty. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and tonal qualities of the word in speech and can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between being 'satisfied' and being 'complacent.' You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific moods or to characterize individuals. At this level, the word is a fully integrated part of your linguistic repertoire, used with effortless accuracy in any possible context.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

satisfied en 30 secondes

Satisfied is an adjective that means feeling happy or pleased because your needs or desires have been met.
It is most commonly used in the pattern 'satisfied with something' to show approval of a result.
In formal contexts, it can mean that a requirement or a debt has been fully completed or met.
It is different from 'satisfying,' which describes the thing that makes you feel satisfied.

The word satisfied is a foundational adjective in the English language, primarily used to describe a psychological and emotional state of fulfillment. When you are satisfied, you have reached a point where your desires, needs, or expectations have been met to a sufficient degree. It is not necessarily a state of extreme euphoria or ecstatic joy; rather, it is a stable sense of 'enoughness.' Imagine finishing a moderate meal where you are no longer hungry but not uncomfortably full—that physical sensation is the literal root of being satisfied. In a broader sense, it applies to your job, your relationships, and your personal achievements. People use this word when they want to communicate that a situation is acceptable and that no further changes or additions are required at the moment. It is a word of resolution and peace.

Emotional State: A feeling of quiet happiness and contentment because things are exactly as they should be.
Requirement Fulfillment: The state of having met all the necessary criteria for a task, contract, or expectation.
Physical Satiety: The feeling of being full after eating or drinking, where the body no longer signals hunger.

After the long meeting, the manager said she was satisfied with the team's progress and the new strategy.

In social contexts, being satisfied often acts as a polite way to decline more of something. If a host offers you a second helping of dessert, saying 'I am satisfied, thank you' is a sophisticated way of saying you have had enough. In the world of commerce, the 'satisfied customer' is the ultimate goal of any business. It implies that the product performed as advertised and the customer feels their money was well spent. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic needs and high-level psychological gratification. Whether you are talking about a grade on a test or the outcome of a political election, being satisfied suggests a lack of complaint and a presence of internal harmony.

The artist took a step back, looked at the canvas, and felt deeply satisfied with the final brushstroke.

Furthermore, 'satisfied' is frequently used in legal and formal documentation. When a debt is 'satisfied,' it means it has been paid in full. When a condition is 'satisfied,' it means the requirement has been met. This adds a layer of precision to the word that 'happy' lacks. It is about the closing of a loop or the completion of a requirement. In your daily life, you might use it to describe your sleep, your workout, or even a conversation. It is a versatile tool for expressing that your internal 'checklist' for a specific situation has been checked off entirely.

The judge was satisfied that the evidence presented was sufficient to move forward with the trial.

Synonym Comparison: While 'content' suggests a long-term state of peace, 'satisfied' often refers to a specific reaction to a specific event or object.

Are you satisfied with the service you received at our hotel today?

He gave a satisfied sigh as he finally sat down after a long day of hiking.

Using the word satisfied correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns, particularly the prepositions that typically follow it. The most common construction is 'to be satisfied with [something].' This 'with' is crucial; using 'of' or 'at' is generally incorrect in modern English. You are satisfied with a result, with a meal, or with a person's performance. Another common pattern is 'to be satisfied that [clause],' which is used when you are convinced or certain that something is true. For example, 'The police were satisfied that the man was telling the truth.' This usage leans more towards 'convinced' or 'assured' than 'happy.'

The 'With' Pattern: Subject + be/feel + satisfied + with + Noun. (e.g., I am satisfied with my grade.)
The 'That' Pattern: Subject + be + satisfied + that + Clause. (e.g., She was satisfied that the door was locked.)
Adverbial Modification: Using adverbs like 'perfectly,' 'entirely,' or 'reasonably' to modify the degree of satisfaction.

The customer was not satisfied with the explanation provided by the clerk.

You can also use 'satisfied' as an attributive adjective, meaning it comes before the noun it describes. A 'satisfied smile' or a 'satisfied customer' are standard phrases. In these cases, the word describes the person's state as an inherent quality of the noun. It is also important to note the difference between 'satisfied' and 'satiated.' While both relate to being full, 'satiated' is almost exclusively used for physical appetites like food or desire, and often carries a connotation of being over-full or having had too much. 'Satisfied' is more balanced and can be used for both physical and abstract concepts.

She gave a satisfied nod when she saw that her children had finished their homework.

In negative sentences, 'not satisfied' is very common, but the prefix 'dis-' can also be used to create the antonym 'dissatisfied.' However, 'unsatisfied' also exists and has a slightly different nuance. 'Dissatisfied' usually refers to a person's feeling of unhappiness (e.g., 'I am dissatisfied with this car'), whereas 'unsatisfied' often refers to a requirement or debt that has not been met (e.g., 'The demand for the product remains unsatisfied'). Understanding these subtle differences will elevate your English from basic to advanced levels. Always check if you are describing a person's mood or the status of a condition.

Are you satisfied that you have done everything possible to help?

Common Adverbs: Fully, completely, totally, quite, moderately, barely.

He was satisfied to just sit by the fire and read his book in silence.

The requirements for the scholarship must be satisfied before the end of the month.

The word satisfied is ubiquitous in various domains of life, from the mundane to the highly professional. In the world of business and retail, you will hear it constantly in the context of customer experience. Companies spend millions of dollars on 'customer satisfaction surveys' to ensure their clients are satisfied. If you call a support line, the agent might end the call by asking, 'Are you satisfied with the resolution I provided today?' This is a standard part of professional scripts designed to ensure quality control. It is a metric of success in the corporate world.

Customer Service: 'We want every customer to leave our store feeling completely satisfied.'
Academic Settings: 'Once you have satisfied the prerequisites, you may enroll in the advanced course.'
Legal/Official: 'The court is satisfied that the defendant acted in self-defense.'

'I'm satisfied with my current salary,' he told the recruiter during the interview.

In personal relationships, the word is often used to gauge the health of a partnership. Couples might discuss whether they are satisfied with the division of household chores or the amount of time they spend together. It is a word that invites honest feedback. In a more casual setting, like a dinner party, you might hear a guest say, 'I'm perfectly satisfied,' as they pat their stomach after a delicious meal. It is a socially acceptable way to signal that one's needs have been met without being overly dramatic. It is a word of quiet confidence and completion.

The coach looked at the scoreboard and felt satisfied that his team had followed the game plan.

You will also encounter 'satisfied' in news reports and formal journalism. When a government body or an international organization is 'satisfied' with a country's progress on human rights or economic reforms, it carries significant weight. It implies that a standard has been reached that allows for further cooperation or the release of funds. In this context, 'satisfied' is a gatekeeper word—it marks the transition from 'not enough' to 'sufficient.' Whether it is a teacher satisfied with a student's essay or a scientist satisfied with the results of an experiment, the word signals that the work is done and it is good.

Are you satisfied with the way the project turned out?

Common Media Phrases: 'Satisfied the hunger,' 'Satisfied the requirements,' 'A satisfied look.'

She wasn't satisfied with just winning; she wanted to break the world record.

The inspectors were satisfied that the building met all safety codes.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word satisfied is confusing it with its related adjective 'satisfying.' This is a common pattern in English adjectives ending in '-ed' and '-ing.' The '-ed' form (satisfied) describes how a person feels. The '-ing' form (satisfying) describes the thing that causes the feeling. For example, a meal is 'satisfying,' and because the meal was satisfying, you feel 'satisfied.' You would never say 'The meal was satisfied' unless the meal itself had feelings and had its needs met! This distinction is vital for clear communication.

-ed vs -ing: I am satisfied (my feeling). The result is satisfying (the cause).
Preposition Errors: Incorrect: Satisfied of, Satisfied about. Correct: Satisfied with.
Unsatisfied vs Dissatisfied: Dissatisfied is for feelings (unhappy). Unsatisfied is for unmet requirements.

Incorrect: I am satisfying with my new job. Correct: I am satisfied with my new job.

Another mistake involves the choice of prepositions. As mentioned earlier, 'satisfied with' is the standard. Some learners mistakenly use 'satisfied about' because they are thinking of 'happy about.' While 'about' might be understood, it sounds non-native. Similarly, 'satisfied of' is an archaic form that you might find in 19th-century literature but is rarely used today except in very specific legal contexts (e.g., 'satisfied of his guilt'). Stick to 'with' for 99% of your conversations and writing to ensure you sound natural and modern.

Incorrect: He was satisfied of the results. Correct: He was satisfied with the results.

Lastly, be careful with the intensity of the word. 'Satisfied' is often a 'neutral-positive' word. If you tell your spouse you are 'satisfied' with their birthday gift, they might actually be disappointed! In personal contexts, 'satisfied' can sometimes sound like you are just 'okay' with something rather than 'loving' it. If you want to show more enthusiasm, use words like 'thrilled,' 'delighted,' or 'overjoyed.' 'Satisfied' is perfect for a business report or a meal, but use it cautiously when high levels of emotion are expected. It can sometimes imply a lack of passion.

The boss was satisfied, but he wasn't impressed—there is a big difference.

Pronunciation Pitfall: Don't stress the last syllable. It's SAT-is-fied, not sat-is-FIED.

Are you satisfied that you've checked all the common mistakes?

She was satisfied with her progress in learning English grammar.

While satisfied is a fantastic all-purpose word, English offers many synonyms that can help you be more precise about the type of satisfaction you are feeling. 'Content' is perhaps the closest synonym, but it usually describes a more enduring, internal state of peace. You might be satisfied with a meal, but you are content with your life. 'Pleased' is another common alternative, often used in social situations to show polite approval. If your boss says they are 'pleased' with your work, it sounds slightly warmer and more personal than 'satisfied.'

Content: Focuses on a long-term state of being happy with what you have. (e.g., He is content to live a simple life.)
Gratified: Used when your pride or vanity is satisfied, or when a specific desire is met. (e.g., She was gratified by the praise.)
Fulfilled: A deeper level of satisfaction, often related to one's purpose or potential. (e.g., Teaching makes me feel fulfilled.)

Instead of saying satisfied, you could say 'I am thrilled with the results' to show more excitement.

For physical sensations, 'satiated' is a powerful alternative, specifically for food and drink. If you have eaten a massive Thanksgiving dinner, 'satisfied' might be an understatement; 'satiated' or even 'stuffed' (informal) would be more accurate. In professional contexts, you might use 'convinced' or 'assured' when 'satisfied' means you believe something to be true. For instance, 'The board was convinced by the data' is more active than 'The board was satisfied with the data.' Choosing the right word depends entirely on the 'flavor' of the satisfaction you want to convey.

The customer was satisfied, but the connoisseur was merely 'tolerant' of the wine.

On the opposite end, if you are looking for antonyms, 'dissatisfied' is your primary choice for feelings. 'Disgruntled' is a more colorful word for someone who is not only dissatisfied but also grumpy and vocal about it. 'Insatiable' describes someone who can never be satisfied, no matter how much they get. This is often used for people with a great 'thirst' for power, knowledge, or money. By learning these related words, you can describe the human experience of wanting and having with much greater nuance and color.

Are you satisfied with this list of alternatives, or do you need more?

Formal Alternatives: Satiated, gratified, remunerated (for money), compensated.

He felt satisfied that he had explored all possible synonyms for the word.

A satisfied mind is the greatest treasure one can possess.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The 'satis' part of the word is related to the word 'sad' in Old English, which originally meant 'full' or 'sated' rather than 'unhappy'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈsæt.ɪs.faɪd/

US /ˈsæt̬.ɪs.faɪd/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: SAT-is-fied.

Rime avec

gratified classified modified identified certified qualified justified multiplied

Erreurs fréquentes

Stressing the last syllable (sat-is-FIED).
Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'ee' sound.
Forgetting the 'd' sound at the end.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'satisfying'.
Pronouncing 'fied' as 'feed'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of the correct preposition 'with'.

Expression orale 2/5

Commonly used in daily conversation.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

happy good want need with

Apprends ensuite

content fulfilled satisfaction dissatisfied satiated

Avancé

complacent gratification insatiable satiety remunerated

Grammaire à connaître

Adjectives ending in -ed vs -ing

I am satisfied (feeling). The movie was satisfying (cause).

Prepositional Collocation

Always use 'with' after satisfied when referring to an object: 'Satisfied with the car'.

That-clauses with adjectives

Some adjectives of certainty or emotion can take a that-clause: 'I am satisfied that he is safe'.

Stative Verbs and Adjectives

'Feel' and 'be' are often used with satisfied to describe a state rather than an action.

Adverbial Position

Adverbs of degree usually come before the adjective: 'She was completely satisfied'.

Exemples par niveau

I am satisfied with my lunch.

Je suis satisfait de mon déjeuner.

Subject + be + satisfied + with + noun.

Are you satisfied with the book?

Es-tu satisfait du livre ?

Question form using 'be' verb.

He is satisfied with his new toy.

Il est satisfait de son nouveau jouet.

Third person singular 'is'.

They are satisfied with the room.

Ils sont satisfaits de la chambre.

Plural subject 'they'.

She feels satisfied after the walk.

Elle se sent satisfaite après la marche.

Using 'feel' instead of 'be'.

The cat is satisfied with its milk.

Le chat est satisfait de son lait.

Adjective describing an animal's state.

I am not satisfied with this pen.

Je ne suis pas satisfait de ce stylo.

Negative form using 'not'.

We are satisfied with the game.

Nous sommes satisfaits du jeu.

First person plural 'we'.

The customer was very satisfied with the service.

Le client était très satisfait du service.

Using 'very' as an intensifier.

She was quite satisfied with her test score.

Elle était assez satisfaite de sa note à l'examen.

Using 'quite' as a modifier.

Are you satisfied that the work is finished?

Es-tu satisfait que le travail soit fini ?

Satisfied + that clause.

He didn't look satisfied with the answer.

Il n'avait pas l'air satisfait de la réponse.

Negative past tense.

We are satisfied with the hotel's location.

Nous sommes satisfaits de l'emplacement de l'hôtel.

Possessive noun phrase.

Is she satisfied with her new haircut?

Est-elle satisfaite de sa nouvelle coupe de cheveux ?

Question about a specific result.

The teacher was satisfied with the students' effort.

Le professeur était satisfait de l'effort des élèves.

Plural possessive 'students'.

I am satisfied to stay at home tonight.

Je suis satisfait de rester à la maison ce soir.

Satisfied + to-infinitive.

The manager was satisfied that all safety rules were followed.

Le manager était convaincu que toutes les règles de sécurité étaient suivies.

Satisfied meaning 'convinced'.

He felt satisfied having completed the marathon.

Il s'est senti satisfait d'avoir terminé le marathon.

Using a gerund phrase after satisfied.

Are you satisfied with the progress of the project?

Êtes-vous satisfait de l'avancement du projet ?

Abstract noun 'progress'.

She was satisfied with the terms of the contract.

Elle était satisfaite des termes du contrat.

Formal context.

The company is satisfied with its annual growth.

L'entreprise est satisfaite de sa croissance annuelle.

Corporate usage.

He gave a satisfied sigh as he sat down.

Il a poussé un soupir de satisfaction en s'asseyant.

Attributive adjective use.

They were satisfied that the problem had been solved.

Ils étaient satisfaits que le problème ait été résolu.

Past perfect in the that-clause.

I am satisfied with the way things are going.

Je suis satisfait de la façon dont les choses se passent.

Idiomatic phrase 'the way things are going'.

The investigators were satisfied that no crime had been committed.

Les enquêteurs étaient convaincus qu'aucun crime n'avait été commis.

Formal investigative use.

She was perfectly satisfied with her modest lifestyle.

Elle était parfaitement satisfaite de son mode de vie modeste.

Adverbial modification 'perfectly'.

The requirements for the degree must be fully satisfied.

Les conditions pour le diplôme doivent être pleinement remplies.

Passive voice 'be satisfied'.

He wasn't satisfied with merely winning; he wanted to dominate.

Il n'était pas satisfait de simplement gagner ; il voulait dominer.

Using 'merely' to show contrast.

The jury was satisfied of the defendant's innocence.

Le jury était convaincu de l'innocence de l'accusé.

Formal/Legal 'satisfied of'.

A satisfied customer is the best advertisement.

Un client satisfait est la meilleure publicité.

Proverbial usage.

She felt a satisfied glow after her successful presentation.

Elle a ressenti une lueur de satisfaction après sa présentation réussie.

Metaphorical use of 'glow'.

The hunger for change remains unsatisfied in many regions.

La soif de changement reste inassouvie dans de nombreuses régions.

Using 'unsatisfied' for abstract needs.

The court must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt.

Le tribunal doit être convaincu au-delà de tout doute raisonnable.

Legal standard of proof.

He was far from satisfied with the explanation provided by the ministry.

Il était loin d'être satisfait de l'explication fournie par le ministère.

Idiomatic 'far from satisfied'.

The appetite for risk among investors seems to be satisfied for now.

L'appétit pour le risque chez les investisseurs semble être comblé pour le moment.

Economic metaphor.

She had a satisfied, almost smug, expression on her face.

Elle avait une expression satisfaite, presque suffisante, sur le visage.

Nuanced description of expression.

The debt was finally satisfied after years of payments.

La dette a finalement été éteinte après des années de paiements.

Financial/Legal meaning of 'satisfied'.

It is difficult to be satisfied with the status quo in such a dynamic industry.

Il est difficile de se contenter du statu quo dans une industrie aussi dynamique.

Academic/Professional context.

The criteria for the grant were not entirely satisfied by the proposal.

Les critères pour la subvention n'ont pas été entièrement remplis par la proposition.

Formal evaluation language.

He found himself satisfied by the simple pleasures of rural life.

Il se trouvait satisfait par les plaisirs simples de la vie rurale.

Reflexive construction 'found himself satisfied'.

The philosophical question of what it means to be truly satisfied remains open.

La question philosophique de ce que signifie être vraiment satisfait reste ouverte.

Abstract philosophical inquiry.

Having satisfied the initial conditions, the algorithm began its recursive loop.

Ayant satisfait aux conditions initiales, l'algorithme a commencé sa boucle récursive.

Technical/Mathematical usage.

Her curiosity was temporarily satisfied, though she knew more questions would arise.

Sa curiosité était temporairement satisfaite, bien qu'elle sût que d'autres questions surgiraient.

Abstract noun 'curiosity' as subject.

The treaty was only signed once all parties were satisfied with the territorial boundaries.

Le traité n'a été signé qu'une fois que toutes les parties ont été satisfaites des frontières territoriales.

Geopolitical context.

He spoke with the satisfied air of a man who has nothing left to prove.

Il parlait avec l'air satisfait d'un homme qui n'a plus rien à prouver.

Literary description.

The hunger for power is rarely satisfied by a single victory.

La soif de pouvoir est rarement étanchée par une seule victoire.

Thematic/Metaphorical usage.

She was not easily satisfied, demanding perfection in every detail of the production.

Elle n'était pas facile à satisfaire, exigeant la perfection dans chaque détail de la production.

Character trait description.

The legal requirements for disclosure were deemed to have been satisfied.

Les exigences légales de divulgation ont été jugées satisfaites.

Complex passive construction.

Synonymes

content pleased happy fulfilled gratified comfortable

Antonymes

dissatisfied unhappy frustrated

Collocations courantes

perfectly satisfied

satisfied customer

satisfied with

fully satisfied

satisfied that

satisfied smile

entirely satisfied

reasonably satisfied

satisfied sigh

satisfied look

Phrases Courantes

satisfied with the result

satisfied with the service

satisfied with life

satisfied that...

satisfied the requirements

satisfied the hunger

satisfied the curiosity

satisfied the debt

satisfied with oneself

not easily satisfied

Souvent confondu avec

satisfied vs satisfying

Satisfying is the cause; satisfied is the feeling.

satisfied vs content

Content is more about long-term peace; satisfied is often about a specific event.

satisfied vs satiated

Satiated is specifically about being full of food or desire.

Expressions idiomatiques

"happy as a clam"

Extremely satisfied and content.

With his new book and a cup of tea, he was happy as a clam.

informal

"lick one's chops"

To be satisfied or excited about something, often food.

The dog was licking his chops, satisfied after the steak.

informal

"cat that got the cream"

To look very satisfied with oneself, often after a success.

She looked like the cat that got the cream after winning the award.

informal

"rest on one's laurels"

To be so satisfied with past success that you stop trying.

Don't rest on your laurels; you need to keep working hard.

neutral

"tick all the boxes"

To satisfy all the requirements or expectations.

This new apartment ticks all the boxes for us.

neutral

"fit the bill"

To satisfy a specific need or purpose.

This old truck fits the bill for our farm work.

neutral

"cut the mustard"

To be good enough to satisfy a standard.

The new recruit just didn't cut the mustard.

informal

"suit someone to a T"

To satisfy someone's needs or tastes perfectly.

This job suits her to a T.

informal

"fill the bill"

To be exactly what is needed.

A cold drink would really fill the bill right now.

neutral

"have it made"

To be in a very satisfied and successful position.

With his new promotion, he really has it made.

informal

Facile à confondre

satisfied vs Satisfying

Both come from the same root.

Satisfying describes the thing (a satisfying meal), while satisfied describes the person (a satisfied diner).

The meal was satisfying, so I am satisfied.

satisfied vs Unsatisfied

Looks like the opposite of satisfied.

Unsatisfied usually means a requirement wasn't met; dissatisfied means a person is unhappy.

The demand for the product is unsatisfied.

satisfied vs Satisfactory

Similar spelling.

Satisfactory means 'good enough' or 'acceptable' (describing a thing), not a feeling.

His work was satisfactory but not excellent.

satisfied vs Satiated

Similar meaning regarding fullness.

Satiated is more formal and usually refers only to physical appetites.

I am satiated after that five-course dinner.

satisfied vs Complacent

Both involve being satisfied.

Complacent is negative; it means you are so satisfied you stop trying to improve.

Success made the team complacent.

Structures de phrases

I am satisfied with [noun].

I am satisfied with my tea.

She is very satisfied with [noun].

She is very satisfied with her room.

They were satisfied that [clause].

They were satisfied that the car was fixed.

He felt satisfied [verb-ing].

He felt satisfied winning the race.

The [noun] was [adverb] satisfied.

The debt was fully satisfied.

Far from satisfied, [subject] [verb].

Far from satisfied, the manager ordered a review.

It is [adjective] to be satisfied with [noun].

It is difficult to be satisfied with the current results.

[Subject] having satisfied [noun], [clause].

The applicant having satisfied all criteria, the visa was issued.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Highly frequent in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I am satisfied of the results. → I am satisfied with the results.
The adjective 'satisfied' takes the preposition 'with' in modern English.
The dinner was very satisfied. → The dinner was very satisfying.
Things are 'satisfying' (cause); people are 'satisfied' (feeling).
I am satisfying with my life. → I am satisfied with my life.
You are describing your own feeling, so you must use the -ed form.
He was satisfied about the service. → He was satisfied with the service.
While 'about' might be understood, 'with' is the standard collocation.
The debt was dissatisfied. → The debt was satisfied.
A debt can be 'satisfied' (paid), but it cannot be 'dissatisfied' (unhappy).

Astuces

Preposition Power

Always remember 'satisfied with'. Using the wrong preposition is a common mistake for learners.

The -ed/-ing Rule

People are satisfied; things are satisfying. This applies to many English adjectives like bored/boring.

Polite Refusal

Use 'I'm satisfied, thank you' to politely decline more food or drink at a party.

Formal Contexts

In reports, use 'satisfied' to confirm that all conditions or standards have been met.

Context Clues

If you hear 'satisfied that', listen for the fact or belief that follows it.

Visual Aid

Visualize a checkmark next to a list. That feeling of checking everything off is being 'satisfied'.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'satisfied' for everything. Try 'pleased' or 'happy' to vary your language.

Customer Focus

In business, always aim for 'satisfied customers' as it's a key metric of success.

First Syllable Stress

Keep the stress on 'SAT' to sound more like a native speaker.

Unsatisfied vs Dissatisfied

Mastering this distinction will make your English sound much more professional.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'SAT' (the test). If you are 'SAT-isfied', you are happy with your 'SAT' score because it is 'enough'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person sitting back in a chair, patting their stomach after a good meal with a smile.

Word Web

enough full happy pleased done met content result

Défi

Try to use 'satisfied' in three different ways today: once about food, once about work, and once about a feeling.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old French 'satisfier', which comes from the Latin 'satisfacere'.

Sens originel : To 'do enough' or 'make enough'.

It is part of the Romance branch of the Indo-European family, entering English via French.

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'satisfied' to describe people's lives in very poor conditions; 'content' or 'surviving' might be more appropriate depending on the context.

In the UK and US, 'satisfied' is a standard part of customer service language.

The Rolling Stones song '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' The phrase 'Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back' The proverb 'Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back'

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

Are you satisfied with your meal?
I am perfectly satisfied, thank you.
The service was satisfying.
Everything was to my satisfaction.

At Work

The boss is satisfied with the report.
We need to satisfy the client.
Are you satisfied with your salary?
The conditions were satisfied.

In School

I'm satisfied with my grade.
The teacher was satisfied with the essay.
Have you satisfied the prerequisites?
He felt satisfied after the exam.

Shopping

Satisfaction guaranteed.
I'm not satisfied with this product.
A satisfied customer.
Are you satisfied with the fit?

Personal Feelings

I feel satisfied with my life.
He gave a satisfied sigh.
She looks satisfied.
Are you satisfied now?

Amorces de conversation

"Are you satisfied with the way your week is going so far?"

"What is one thing that always makes you feel satisfied after a long day?"

"Are you usually satisfied with the service you get at local restaurants?"

"Do you feel satisfied with your current progress in learning English?"

"What kind of meal makes you feel the most satisfied?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you felt deeply satisfied with a project you completed. What made it successful?

Are you the kind of person who is easily satisfied, or do you always want more? Explain why.

Describe a perfect day that would leave you feeling completely satisfied by the time you go to sleep.

How do you know when you are satisfied with a decision you have made?

Think about a product you bought recently. Are you satisfied with it? Why or why not?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is better to say 'I am satisfied with my grade.' In English, 'satisfied' almost always pairs with 'with'.

'Dissatisfied' is for when you are unhappy or disappointed. 'Unsatisfied' is for when a need or a rule has not been met yet.

It is a neutral word. You can use it with friends, but it is also very common in business and legal documents.

Yes, it is very common to say you are satisfied after a meal, meaning you are no longer hungry.

It means you have done everything that was asked of you, like finishing all the parts of an application.

No, 'satisfied' is an adjective. The noun form is 'satisfaction'.

It is pronounced SAT-is-fied, with the stress on the first part.

No, you should say 'The movie was satisfying.' A movie cannot have feelings!

'Content' and 'pleased' are the most common synonyms.

Use it when you want to emphasize that everything is exactly how you want it to be.