Hi,
What’s the difference between ''Satisfactory" and “Satisfying”? both of them are adjective.
Would you mind explaining?
Your help will be appreciated.
Thanks
This is a faint difference. I’m not sure there is a case where one is right and the other wrong, but there is a situational difference in their likelihood.
“Satisfactory” tends to prevail in formal situations, such as grading in education. I would also expect it in any official contest or review.
The judges determined the meal was satisfactory.
Our critic determined the restaurant was satisfactory.
If we go casually to a restaurant, I am likelier to call the meal satisfying.
I also feel that “satisfactory” sounds slightly more critical, and that might be due to its use in education, where it means that a performance was merely good enough. It seems to imply that something was good but not necessarily excellent. “Satisfying” sounds more complimentary. It seems likelier that you might find something you call “satisfying” excellent.
If something is satisfactory then it is considered good enough for a specific purpose.
A satisfactory essay is one that is considered good enough for a pass grade, but no better than that.
Something that is satisfying brings you pleasure (satisfaction) because it is something you either want or need.
Have you tried using a good Learners’ Dictionary? It should help you with this sort of question.
I’d think:
Satisfying: giving satisfaction.
Satisfied: given satisfaction.
Satisfactory: giving and/or given satisfaction.