Adequate or Adequated
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the difference between Adequate or Adequated these commonly confused spellings and how to use them properly.
Incorrect: Adequated
"Adequated" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "adequate" without the 'd' ending.
Correct: Adequate
"Adequate" is the correct spelling. It means sufficient for a specific need or requirement.
Definition of Adequate
Adequate (adjective): Sufficient for a specific need or requirement; acceptable in quality or quantity; meeting minimum standards or requirements.
Examples:
- • The hotel provided adequate accommodations for our stay.
- • Her performance was adequate but not exceptional.
- • We have adequate supplies to last through the winter.
- • The explanation was adequate for understanding the concept.
Synonyms for Adequate
Common Synonyms:
- • Sufficient
- • Enough
- • Satisfactory
- • Acceptable
- • Suitable
Related Terms:
- • Passable
- • Competent
- • Tolerable
- • Decent
- • Reasonable
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Adequate is spelled without the 'd' ending.
- • It's often used to describe something that meets minimum requirements.
- • Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- • The word implies sufficiency rather than excellence.
- • The word comes from the Latin "adaequatus" meaning "made equal."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "adequated" ever correct?
A: No, "adequated" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "adequate" without the 'd' ending.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "adequate" as having "adequate" letters - no extra 'd' at the end. The word comes from Latin "adaequatus" meaning "made equal."
Q: What's the difference between adequate and sufficient?
A: While both words mean "enough," "adequate" often implies meeting minimum requirements, while "sufficient" simply means having enough of something.
Q: Can adequate be used as a noun?
A: No, "adequate" is only used as an adjective. The noun form would be "adequacy."
Q: Is adequate a positive or negative word?
A: "Adequate" is generally neutral - it means meeting requirements but not necessarily exceeding them. It's not negative, but it's also not highly positive.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "adequated" likely occurs because people may think it follows the pattern of other words that have 'ed' endings or may confuse it with similar words.
Q: What are some common phrases using "adequate"?
A: Common phrases include: adequate time, adequate space, adequate resources, adequate preparation, adequate compensation, and adequate explanation.
Q: Can "adequate" be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "adequate" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a standard English word that can be used in academic, business, and professional contexts.
Summary
Remember: Adequate is the correct spelling without the 'd' ending. It means sufficient for a specific need or requirement. The misspelling "adequated" with the extra 'd' is never correct. Use this word when you want to describe something that meets minimum requirements or is acceptable in quality or quantity.