adeguate

Adeguate is the feminine plural form of the Italian adjective adeguato. It is used to describe things or situations that are proper, suitable, or conforming to a need, purpose, or standard. As a form, adeguate accords with feminine plural nouns, for example misure adeguate (adequate measures) or istruzioni adeguate (appropriate instructions).

Etymology and meaning

The adjective comes from the verb adeguare, which means to adjust, fit, or bring into line with a requirement. The root idea is making something suitable for a given purpose or standard. In Italian, adeguato and its inflected forms share nuances related to suitability, adequacy, and compliance, rather than mere abundance or abundance of features.

Usage and nuance

Adeguate conveys that something meets a certain level of appropriateness or sufficiency for a specific context. It is often used in formal, technical, or policy-related language, such as “procedure adeguate,” “strumenti adeguati,” or “soluzioni adeguate alle esigenze.” It is similar in meaning to idoneo or conforme, but with a stronger emphasis on meeting defined requirements or standards.

Related forms

- Adeguato (masc. sing.) and adeguata (fem. sing.)

- Adeguati (masc. pl.) and adeguate (fem. pl.)

- Adeguatezza (noun) meaning adequacy

- Adeguarsi (verb) meaning to adapt or to conform

- Adeguamento (noun) meaning adjustment or adaptation

See also

In contexts ranging from engineering to law, adeguate is part of a broader vocabulary about compliance, quality, and fit for purpose.