Adequate, a.
Etymology: [L. adaequatus, p. p. of adaequare to make equal to; ad + aequare to make equal, aequus equal. See Equal.]
Equal to some requirement; proportionate, or correspondent; fully sufficient; as, powers adequate to a great work; an adequate definition. Ireland had no adequate champion. De Quincey.
Syn. -- Proportionate; commensurate; sufficient; suitable; competent; capable.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Adequate, v. t.
1. To equalize; to make adequate. [R.] Fotherby.
2. To equal. [Obs.] It [is] an impossibility for any creature to adequate God in his eternity. Shelford.
Shades of meaning
Adequate, commensurate, and sufficient signify equal to some given occasion or work; as, a sum sufficient to meet expenses; an adequate remedy for the disease. Commensurate is the more precise and learned word, signifying that which exactly measures the matter in question. Adapted, fit, suitable, and qualified refer to the qualities which match or suit the occasion. A clergyman may have strength adequate to the work of a porter; but that would not be a fit or suitable occupation for him. Work is satisfactory if it satisfies those for whom it is done, though it may be very poor work judged by some higher standard. Qualified refers to acquired abilities; competent to both natural and acquired; a qualified teacher may be no longer competent, by reason of ill health. Able and capable suggest general ability and reserved power, able being the higher word of the two. An able man will do something well in any position. A capable man will come up to any ordinary demand. We say an able orator, a capable accountant.
Prepositions
Adequate to the demand; for the purpose.