First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1perfect
adjective per·fect \ˈpər-fikt\
: having no mistakes or flaws
: completely correct or accurate
: having all the qualities you want in that kind of person, situation, etc.
Full Definition of PERFECT
1
a : being entirely without fault or defect : flawless <a perfect diamond> b : satisfying all requirements : accurate c : corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept <a perfect gentleman> d : faithfully reproducing the original; specifically : letter-perfect e : legally valid
2
: expert, proficient <practice makes perfect>
3
a : pure, total b : lacking in no essential detail : complete c obsolete : sane d : absolute, unequivocal <enjoys perfect happiness> e : of an extreme kind : unmitigated <a perfect brat> <an act of perfect foolishness>
4
obsolete : mature
5
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or verbal that expresses an action or state completed at the time of speaking or at a time spoken of
7
of a musical interval : belonging to the consonances unison, fourth, fifth, and octave which retain their character when inverted and when raised or lowered by a half step become augmented or diminished
8
a : sexually mature and fully differentiated <a perfect insect> b : having both stamens and pistils in the same flower <a perfect flower>
— per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ noun
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Origin of PERFECT
Middle English parfit, from Anglo-French, from Latin perfectus, from past participle of perficere to carry out, perfect, from per- thoroughly + facere to make, do — more at do
Related to PERFECT
- Synonyms
- absolute, faultless, flawless, ideal, immaculate, impeccable, indefectible, irreproachable, letter-perfect, picture-book, picture-perfect, seamless, unblemished
- Antonyms
- amiss, bad, censurable, defective, faulty, flawed, imperfect, reproachable
Synonym Discussion of PERFECT
perfect, whole, entire, intact mean not lacking or faulty in any particular. perfect implies the soundness and the excellence of every part, element, or quality of a thing frequently as an unattainable or theoretical state <a perfect set of teeth>. whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained <felt like a whole person again after vacation>. entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing <the entire Beethoven corpus>. intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state <the boat survived the storm intact>.
2perfect
verb per·fect \pər-ˈfekt also ˈpər-fikt\
: to make (something good) perfect or better
Full Definition of PERFECT
transitive verb
1
: to bring to final form
See perfect defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PERFECT
14th century
3perfect
noun per·fect \ˈpər-fikt\
Definition of PERFECT
: the perfect tense of a language; also : a verb form in the perfect tense
See perfect defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PERFECT
1841
PERFECT Defined for Kids
1perfect
adjective per·fect \ˈpər-fikt\
Definition of PERFECT for Kids
1
: having no mistake or flaw <a perfect plan> <a perfect diamond>
2
: satisfying all requirements <It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.>
3
: thoroughly skilled or trained : meeting the highest standards <a perfect performance>
2perfect
verb per·fect \pər-ˈfekt\
per·fect·edper·fect·ing
Definition of PERFECT for Kids
: to improve (something) so that it has no flaws
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