together with, so much of Abbé Girard's Treatise, on this subject, as would agree, with our mode of expression. ... In two volumes. ... [pt.1] (2024)

17. Enough, Sufficient.

The object of both these words, is quan|tity; but with this difference, that enough relates, more, to the quantity, one desires to have, and sufficient, to that quantity, one, really, wants to employ.

Thus, the avaritious man never has enough; let him accumulate ever so much, he, still, desires more; and the prodigal, never sufficient; he, still, wanting to expend more than he has.

Page 22We say, we have enough, when we wish not for more; and we say, we have sufficient, when we have, just, what is necessary.

When applied to such things, as are con|sumable, the word enough, seems to denote, a much greater quantity, than the word suffi|cient; for in relation to such things, when we say we have enough, it seems, as though we should have too much, had we more: but, what we call sufficient, may be added to, without coming near that extreme: for, we may say, of a very small income or revenue, that it is sufficient; though, at the same time, we can hardly think it enough.

The word enough, has a more general and comprehensive meaning; the word sufficient, a more limited and particular one.

An hour at table, is, certainly, sufficient, for our nourishment; but, not enough, for some persons pleasure or satisfaction.

An oeconomist, can find enough, where there is very little; but the prodigal, never has sufficient, let him have ever so much.