Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Without any flaws or defects; as good as it is possible to be: "perfect" describes something that is complete, excellent, and has no faults.
   • Complete and absolute: "perfect" can also describe something that is total, utter, or used for emphasis, often informally.
   • Exactly suitable or accurate: "perfect" can mean precisely right for a particular purpose or situation.

2. Noun:

   • The perfect tense: In grammar, "perfect" refers to a verb tense used to describe an action that has been completed.

3. Verb:

   • To make something perfect or complete: "perfect" means to improve something until it is as good as it can be.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The weather was perfect for a picnic. (The weather was ideal, with no problems.)
  • She speaks perfect English. (Her English is flawless.)
  • That's perfect nonsense! (That is complete and utter nonsense.)

• Noun:

  • In the sentence "I have finished," the verb is in the present perfect. (The tense shows a completed action relevant to the present.)

• Verb:

  • He spent years perfecting his technique. (He spent years improving his technique until it was excellent.)

Advanced Usage

• "picture-perfect": exactly like a beautiful picture; ideal.
  • The small village looked picture-perfect in the morning light.
• "in perfect condition": in an excellent state, with no damage or wear.
  • The antique car was restored to perfect condition.
• "practice makes perfect": a saying meaning that repeating an activity improves skill.
  • Don't get discouraged; remember, practice makes perfect.

Variants and Related Words

• Perfection (n): the state of being perfect.
  • The chef aims for perfection in every dish.
• Perfectly (adv): in a perfect way; completely.
  • The plan worked perfectly.
• Imperfect (adj): not perfect; faulty.
  • It's an imperfect system, but it works.
• Perfectionist (n): a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.
  • She is a perfectionist about her work.

Synonyms

• Flawless: without any imperfections.
• Ideal: satisfying one's conception of what is perfect.
• Impeccable: in accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
• Complete: having all the necessary parts; entire.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Perfect oneself in (something): to train or practice until one is highly skilled.
  • She moved to Italy to perfect herself in the language.

Related Idioms

• Nobody's perfect: a saying used to accept that everyone makes mistakes.
  • I know I made an error, but nobody's perfect.
• The perfect storm: a rare combination of events or circumstances creating an exceptionally bad situation.
  • The economic crisis was a perfect storm of bad loans and falling markets.

Adjective

1. precisely accurate or exact
   • perfect timing
2. without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
   • an arrant fool
   • a complete coward
   • a consummate fool
   • a double-dyed villain
   • gross negligence
   • a perfect idiot
   • pure folly
   • what a sodding mess
   • stark staring mad
   • a thoroughgoing villain
   • utter nonsense
   • the unadulterated truth
3. being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
   • a perfect circle
   • a perfect reproduction
   • perfect happiness
   • perfect manners
   • a perfect specimen
   • a perfect day

Noun

1. a tense of verbs used in describing action that has been completed (sometimes regarded as perfective aspect)

Verb

1. make perfect or complete
   • perfect your French in Paris!