adj

perfect

PUR-fihkt

adj

Without any flaws or mistakes; as good as something can possibly be.

"The weather was perfect for a picnic."

"Nobody's perfect, but she came close on the exam."

Exactly matching a description or purpose; precisely suited.

"This flat is the perfect size for a young couple."

noun

In grammar, a verb tense describing a completed action.

""Has finished" is an example of the present perfect tense."

verb

To improve something until it reaches the highest possible standard.

"She spent years perfecting her technique before the competition."

How to Use Perfect

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFlawless, or exactly right for a particular purpose.

Common mistake

Strictly speaking, "perfect" is an absolute — many style guides say you shouldn't say "more perfect" or "very perfect", though it's common in casual speech.

Common pairings

perfect match perfect score absolutely perfect

Word Forms

perfecter comparative, more perfect comparative, perfected past tense, perfects plural, perfects singular, perfectest superlative, most perfect superlative

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The weather was _____ for a picnic.

Etymology

From Latin perfectus, "completed, finished", from perficere ("to finish, accomplish"), from per- ("thoroughly") + facere ("to do or make").

Synonyms

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faultless infallible hermaphroditic preterperfect

Antonyms

faulty flawed faultful fallible imperfect

Related Words

wrong imperfect pure impure hermaphrodite faulty flawless flawed

Rhymes for perfect

imperfect

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