suitably
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈuːtəbli/
US
- /ˈsutəbli/
Description
- appropriately
- fittingly
- in the right way for the situation
Imagine you're invited to a fancy gala. You wouldn't show up in pajamas, would you? You'd dress suitably for the event, meaning your clothes would be right for that place and moment. "Suitably" describes doing something in a way that fits the needs or expectations of a situation. A room might be suitably quiet for study, or a speech might be suitably brief for a serious occasion. It is about matching the moment well, with the right level, tone, or style.
"Suitably" is an adverb that means in a way that is appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, situation, or person. It is used when something matches what the moment calls for.
You might say someone is "suitably dressed" for a job interview, meaning their clothes are professional and respectful. You could also say a reply was "suitably polite" or that a warning was "suitably clear." In these cases, the word shows that the action, quality, or style fits the situation well.
The main idea behind "suitably" is context. What works well in one setting may feel wrong in another. Beach clothes may be suitably casual for a holiday afternoon, but not for a formal meeting.
You'll often find it in descriptions of clothing, behavior, tone, level, or preparation: "The room was suitably decorated for the celebration." "She paused for a suitably long moment before answering." "The book ends on a suitably hopeful note." It often points to good judgment about what is needed.
So, if something is done suitably, it is done in a way that fits the occasion, purpose, or need. The word often carries the sense that the match is not accidental, but chosen with some care.
Examples
- 1
Interview clothing
Please dress suitably for the interview.
- 2
Job qualifications
The company is looking for suitably qualified engineers.
Phrase
suitably qualified
having the right qualifications for the job
- 3
Physical tiredness
After climbing all day, we were suitably tired by evening.
- 4
Apology
Her apology was short but suitably sincere.
- 5
Literary mood
The novel ends in a suitably dark mood for a story like this.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- suitablyadverb