acceptably
/əkˈseptəbli/ (bre, ipa) · /əkˈseptəbli/ (ame, ipa)
acceptably — adverb
1. If something is done acceptably, it reaches the level that rules or other people
If something is done acceptably, it reaches the level that rules or other people require, even if it is not especially impressive.
The school found Hassan's project acceptably neat for the science fair.
be acceptably + adjective in formal evaluation
After repairs, the lift was working acceptably for daily use again.
work/function + acceptably
Kasia spoke acceptably in the interview, so the manager kept talking with her.
The paint matched the old wall acceptably after the second coat.
Even in heavy rain, the tent held up acceptably and kept the bags dry.
- satisfactorily
often sounds slightly stronger, suggesting the result clearly met expectations
- adequately
focuses more on sufficiency than on approval by rules or other people
- properly
usually stresses correct method rather than whether the result is allowed
- unacceptably
shows the quality falls below what can be allowed or approved
- poorly
broader and less formal, focusing on weak quality rather than approval
文法句型
be acceptably + adjective
verb + acceptably
用法筆記
Often used in formal comments about whether work, behavior, or performance meets a rule or expected standard. Common after verbs such as perform, function, behave, or in patterns like be acceptably safe.
常見錯誤
2. If something is acceptably good, it is just good enough for the purpose, but the
If something is acceptably good, it is just good enough for the purpose, but the quality is still only ordinary.
The cafe meal was acceptably warm, but nobody asked for seconds.
acceptable but not impressive result
Yara sang acceptably at practice, though she still missed some high notes.
The cheap printer works acceptably for homework, but the photos look dull.
Christopher fixed the chair acceptably, yet it still rocks a little.
Ilan's soup tasted acceptably after the salt, but it was not special.
- adequately
stresses having just enough quality or ability for the job
- passably
often sounds slightly more informal and clearly means only fairly well
- tolerably
older or more literary in tone, but also suggests middling quality
- badly
shows the result is below even a basic workable level
- excellently
shows the quality is much better than merely passable
文法句型
verb + acceptably
be acceptably + adjective
用法筆記
Often signals only a minimal level of quality and is commonly followed by a contrast such as but or though. Distinguish from sense 1, which focuses on meeting an outside rule or judgment rather than being merely passable.