satisfaction
satisfaction
Pronunciation
/ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/
sat: /sæt/
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative (like the 's' in "sit")
/æ/ - open front unrounded vowel (like the 'a' in "cat")
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop (like the 't' in "top")
is: /ɪs/
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (like the 'i' in "bit")
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative (like the 's' in "sit")
fac: /fæk/
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative (like the 'f' in "fan")
/æ/ - open front unrounded vowel (like the 'a' in "cat")
/k/ - voiceless velar stop (like the 'c' in "cat")
tion: /ʃən/
/ʃ/ - voiceless postalveolar fricative (like the 'sh' in "ship")
/ə/ - mid central unrounded vowel (like the 'a' in "about")
/n/ - alveolar nasal (like the 'n' in "no")
Word Form Variations
Since "satisfaction" is a noun, here are its possible forms:
Singular: satisfaction
Plural: satisfactions (This is used when referring to more than one instance of feeling satisfied.)
While "satisfaction" doesn't have different forms like verbs (e.g., satisfy, satisfies, satisfied, satisfying) or comparative adjectives (e.g., happy, happier, happiest), it can be modified with determiners and adjectives:
With determiners: a satisfaction, the satisfaction, some satisfaction, any satisfaction, much satisfaction
With adjectives: great satisfaction, deep satisfaction, immense satisfaction, complete satisfaction
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The feeling of pleasure or contentment that comes from achieving a desired outcome, fulfilling a need, or experiencing something enjoyable.
Synonyms: fulfillment, gratification, contentment, pleasure, joy
Antonyms: dissatisfaction, discontent, disappointment, frustration, displeasure
Definition 2: (Formal/Legal) The act of fulfilling a requirement, obligation, or debt, often through compensation or amends.
Synonyms: reparation, restitution, compensation, atonement, redress
Antonyms: default, breach, violation, infringement, non-compliance
Verb (While "satisfy" is the standard verb, let's imagine "satisfaction" as one, too!)
Definition: To bring about a state of contentment or fulfillment in oneself or another; to meet a need or desire successfully.
Synonyms: gratify, fulfill, please, content, delight
Antonyms: disappoint, frustrate, displease, dissatisfy, deprive
Adjective (Again, "satisfactory" exists, but let's play with "satisfaction" as an adjective)
Definition: Causing or characterized by a feeling of contentment or fulfillment; meeting expectations or requirements.
Synonyms: pleasing, gratifying, fulfilling, adequate, acceptable
Antonyms: disappointing, frustrating, inadequate, unacceptable, displeasing
Adverb (This is a stretch, but let's see!)
Definition: In a manner that brings contentment or fulfillment; to a degree that meets expectations or requirements.
Example: "The problem was resolved satisfactionally." (meaning "in a satisfactory manner")
Synonyms: adequately, acceptably, pleasingly, gratifyingly
Antonyms: inadequately, unacceptably, displeasingly, frustratingly
It's important to remember that these verb, adjective, and adverb forms are not standard usage. "Satisfy," "satisfactory," and "satisfactorily" are the conventional forms. However, this exercise helps us understand the core meaning of "satisfaction" and how it might be applied in different grammatical contexts.
Examples of Use
Books:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: "She had the intense satisfaction of seeing him, and of seeing him with a complexion materially improved..." (This illustrates satisfaction derived from observing a desired outcome.)
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: "...a grim satisfaction crept into his heart." (Here, satisfaction is linked to a darker feeling of vengeance, showcasing its complexity.)
Newspapers:
The New York Times: "The company expressed satisfaction with the court's ruling." (This demonstrates the formal use of satisfaction in relation to a legal outcome.)
The Guardian: "A survey found widespread dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the economy." (This highlights the antonym, illustrating the concept's relevance in public opinion.)
Online Publications:
Psychology Today: "Finding satisfaction in your work is crucial for well-being." (This relates to the psychological aspect of satisfaction and its connection to personal fulfillment.)
Harvard Business Review: "Customer satisfaction is a key driver of loyalty and repeat business." (This showcases the term's importance in business and marketing contexts.)
Entertainment:
Film (Movie review): "The film delivers action and emotional depth in equal measure, leaving audiences with a sense of satisfaction." (This reflects satisfaction as a response to artistic work.)
Music (Song lyrics): "I can't get no satisfaction..." (The Rolling Stones' iconic line captures the feeling of unfulfilled desire and the pursuit of satisfaction.)
General Public Discourse:
Everyday conversation: "I get a lot of satisfaction from helping others." (This exemplifies how people express personal fulfillment and the sources of their satisfaction.)
Social media: "#Satisfaction when you finally finish that project!" (This demonstrates the use of "satisfaction" to express a feeling or achievement online.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Satisfaction
"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable." — John Wooden
"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory." — Mahatma Gandhi
"There is no satisfaction in hanging on to something that is not right for you." — Oprah Winfrey
"Personal satisfaction is the most important ingredient of success." — Denis Waitley
"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams. Satisfaction keeps the soul young." — John Barrymore
"There is more satisfaction in being a first-rate version of yourself than a second-rate version of someone else." — Judy Garland
"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, but satisfaction is often found in restraint." — Mae West
"I can’t get no satisfaction." — Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction)
"Happiness is not the satisfaction of what we want, but the realization of how much we already have." — Unknown (widely quoted in self-help and gratitude circles)
"Satisfaction of one's curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life." — Linus Pauling
Etymology
Imagine you have a task to do, like building a LEGO castle. When you finish it and it looks awesome, you feel a sense of "satisfaction." That feeling of happiness and accomplishment is what the word means!
Now, let's go back in time to see where this word came from. It actually started its journey in ancient Rome! The Romans had a word, "satisfacere," which meant "to do enough" or "to make amends."
Think of it like this: if you accidentally broke your friend's toy, you might try to "satisfy" them by apologizing or buying them a new one. You're doing something to make things right again.
This Roman word "satisfacere" was made up of two parts:
satis: meaning "enough"
facere: meaning "to do" or "to make"
So, "satisfacere" literally meant doing enough to make up for something or fulfill a need.
Over time, this word traveled from Latin to Old French, where it became "satisfier." Then, it hopped over to English around the 14th century as "satisfaction."
At first, "satisfaction" was mostly used in a religious context, like making amends for a sin. But gradually, it expanded to include the broader feeling of contentment and fulfillment that we know today.
So, the next time you feel "satisfied," remember that the word has a long history, going all the way back to the Romans who wanted to "do enough" to make things right!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Satisfaction
Phrases with "Satisfaction"
To someone's satisfaction: This is probably the most common phrase, indicating that something meets a person's needs or expectations (e.g., "The issue was resolved to my satisfaction").
With satisfaction: This describes doing something with a feeling of pleasure or accomplishment (e.g., "She smiled with satisfaction").
Demand satisfaction: (Formal/archaic) This implies seeking justice or compensation for a wrong (e.g., "He challenged the offender to a duel, demanding satisfaction").
A glow of satisfaction: This describes the feeling of contentment after an achievement (e.g., "He felt a glow of satisfaction after finishing the marathon").
(Original) Satisfaction guaranteed: This borrows from marketing language to express confidence in an outcome (e.g., "With this new recipe, satisfaction guaranteed!").
Idioms with Synonyms
Since "satisfaction" itself isn't found in many idioms, here are some with similar meanings:
To one's heart's content: Doing something enjoyable to the fullest extent (e.g., "They danced to their heart's content").
To scratch an itch: To satisfy a craving or need (e.g., "Learning that new skill really scratched an itch").
To be in seventh heaven: To be extremely happy or blissful (e.g., "She was in seventh heaven after winning the award").
To be on cloud nine: Similar to "seventh heaven," expressing extreme joy (e.g., "He was on cloud nine when he got the job offer").
To jump for joy: To express great happiness physically (e.g., "They jumped for joy when they heard the good news").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of satisfaction from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
