Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the phrase 'suffice it to say.' Learn about its historical roots and contemporary relevance.
The phrase “suffice it to say” is employed to indicate that the information to follow is sufficient for the purpose of the discussion, suggesting that further elaboration is unnecessary. It serves as a preamble to a statement that encapsulates the essence of the matter at hand.
“Suffice it to say” traces its origins to the seventeenth century, with its usage documented in literary works of the period. Notably, John Dryden employed the phrase in St. Evremont’s Miscellaneous Essays (1692), illustrating its early adoption in English literature. The phrase is constructed from the verb “suffice,” derived from the Latin sufficere, meaning “to be enough,” combined with a subjunctive construction that emphasizes the adequacy of the forthcoming statement.
Semantically, “suffice it to say” functions as a rhetorical device to preemptively limit the scope of discourse, often used to convey that the speaker deems further detail superfluous. It carries an implicit understanding between the speaker and the audience that the subsequent information is both necessary and sufficient for comprehension.
In contemporary culture, “suffice it to say” is frequently employed in both spoken and written discourse to introduce a summarizing statement. It appears in various media, including literature, journalism, and film, often serving as a tool for brevity and emphasis. Its usage is prevalent in contexts where the speaker wishes to convey authority or decisiveness.
The phrase “suffice it to say” is versatile, finding utility in professional, academic, and casual contexts. In formal writing, it serves to succinctly encapsulate complex ideas, while in informal speech, it often prefaces a candid or straightforward remark.
“Suffice it to say” remains a relevant and durable phrase in modern English, valued for its ability to convey completeness without exhaustive detail. Its continued usage across various domains attests to its enduring utility.
Durability: ★★★★☆
“It suffices to say that Xanthippus becoming the manager of affairs, altered extremely the Carthaginian Army.” - John Dryden, St. Evremont’s Miscellaneous Essays (1692)