tillfredsställa

Tillfredsställa is a Swedish verb meaning to satisfy, fulfill, or meet needs, demands, or expectations. It is used when something meets formal criteria or pleases someone, and is common in business, law, administration, and policy discussions. The related noun is tillfredsställelse, referring to the state of satisfaction that results when requirements are met.

Etymology and sense: The verb is formed with the prefix till- attached to fredsställa, a root associated with bringing about a state of contentment. The sense developed to describe making something conform to a demand, obligation, or desire, so that the requester or standard is satisfied. The noun tillfredsställelse denotes that sense of fulfilled satisfaction.

Usage and grammar: Tillfredsställa is a transitive verb that takes a direct object representing what is being satisfied. Present tense is tillfredsställer; past tense is tillfredsställde; the supine (perfect participle) is tillfredsställt. Common constructions include tillfredsställa krav, tillfredsställa behov, tillfredsställa önskemål, and tillfredsställa regler eller lagkrav. Example: Företaget måste tillfredsställa kundernas krav för att behålla avtalet.

Nuances and synonyms: In everyday language, speakers may use uppfylla or möta to express similar ideas; tillfredsställa often carries a more formal or official tone. Tillfredsställelse refers to the state of being satisfied, while tillfredsställa is the act of bringing about that state. See also: tillfredsställelse; uppfylla; tillgodose.