imperfect
/im'pə:fikt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Not perfect; having defects or deficiencies: Describes something that is flawed, incomplete, or falls short of an ideal standard.
- Lacking moral strength or will; frail: Describes the inherently flawed nature of human beings, especially in contrast to a divine or perfect ideal.
Noun:
- (Grammar) A verb tense: Specifically, a tense used to describe ongoing, continuous, or habitual action in the past. In English, this is often equivalent to the past progressive or past continuous tense.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The antique vase was beautiful but imperfect, with a small crack on its base.
- Our imperfect knowledge of the universe leaves many questions unanswered.
- As imperfect beings, we all make mistakes.
Noun (Grammar):
- In the sentence "I was reading when you called," the verb "was reading" is in the imperfect.
- Languages like Spanish and French have a distinct imperfect tense for describing past habits.
Advanced Usage
"Imperfect competition" (Economics): A market structure that does not meet the conditions of perfect competition, such as having few sellers or differentiated products.
- Monopolies are a classic example of imperfect competition.
"Imperfect duty" (Philosophy): A moral obligation that allows for flexibility in how and when it is fulfilled, as opposed to a strict, universal duty.
- Charity is often considered an imperfect duty; you must help others, but you can choose whom and how.
Variants and Related Words
Imperfection (n): A flaw, defect, or shortcoming.
- The diamond's only imperfection was a tiny internal speck.
Imperfectly (adv): In a flawed or incomplete manner.
- The instructions were imperfectly translated, causing some confusion.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Flawed, defective, faulty, deficient, incomplete, fallible, frail.
- Noun (Grammar): Past continuous, past progressive.
Antonyms
- Adjective: Perfect, flawless, impeccable, complete, ideal.
Related Phrases
In its imperfect state: In its unfinished or flawed condition.
- The software, still in its imperfect state, was released for beta testing.
To be imperfectly understood: To be not fully or correctly comprehended.
- The theory was imperfectly understood by the general public.
Adjective
- wanting in moral strength, courage, or will; having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings
- I'm only a fallible human
- frail humanity
- not perfect; defective or inadequate
- had only an imperfect understanding of his responsibilities
- imperfect mortals
- drainage here is imperfect
Noun
- a tense of verbs used in describing action that is on-going