Perfect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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perfect
[ˈpəːfɪkt ]
Definitions
in general
Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.
Synonyms
excellent, faultless, flawless, ideal, impeccable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perfect |
Use when saying something is as good as it possibly can be, often in everyday situations and not excessively formal contexts.
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| flawless |
Best for describing something that is without any imperfections, often used in contexts like describing physical appearance, work quality, or performance.
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| ideal |
Use when talking about a situation or condition that is perfect for a specific purpose or need, often implying that it's the best possible scenario.
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| excellent |
Appropriate for praising someone or something of very high quality, usually in formal or semi-formal contexts.
|
| impeccable |
Best used when discussing behavior, taste, or performance that is flawless and without any mistake. This word often comes with high praise and admiration.
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| faultless |
Use when describing something or someone that has no mistakes or flaws, emphasizing the absence of faults. Often used in formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- It's the perfect time to leave.
- This would be a perfect opportunity to impress your future employer.
- She had a perfect view of the stage.
grammar
The perfect tense.
Synonyms
future perfect, past perfect, present perfect.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perfect |
Used to describe something without any flaws or defects, often in a general sense.
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| past perfect |
Used in grammar to describe an action that was completed before another took place in the past.
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| present perfect |
Used in grammar to describe an action that occurred at an unspecified time before now.
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| future perfect |
Used in grammar to describe an action that will have been completed at some point in the future.
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Examples of usage
- She had written.
- He will have arrived.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers have often debated the idea of perfection, questioning whether it truly exists in reality or is just a concept.
- In Aristotle's philosophy, perfection is tied to the notion of fulfilling one's potential, rather than merely being free of flaws.
- The concept of 'perfection' can vary greatly among cultures and individuals, as what is perfect for one may not be for another.
Psychology
- The pursuit of perfection can lead to stress and anxiety, as the pressure to be flawless may create unrealistic expectations.
- Research shows that perfectionism can be both adaptive, pushing individuals to achieve, and maladaptive, leading to dissatisfaction with their performance.
- People often struggle with perfectionism due to a fear of failure, making it important to find a balance between striving for excellence and maintaining well-being.
Literature
- In literature, the idea of perfect characters or endings is often challenged; many stories emphasize growth through flaws.
- Shakespeare's works frequently explore the tension between idealized perfection and the messy realities of human nature.
- Many famous works of art depict a flawed journey to perfection, encouraging readers to appreciate imperfection as part of the human experience.
Pop Culture
- The concept of 'being perfect' is a common theme in songs, movies, and reality shows, often portraying the struggle to meet high standards.
- Popular figures, like athletes and artists, sometimes face public scrutiny for perceived flaws despite their successes, underlining society's unrealistic views on perfection.
- Many social media platforms promote idealized lifestyles that can distort the true meaning of being perfect, leading to unrealistic comparisons.
Origin of 'perfect'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'perfectus', meaning 'completely done' or 'finished', giving a sense of completeness.
- In Old French, it transformed to 'parfait', which retained the essence of being flawless.
- The prefix 'per-' means 'through' and '-fect' comes from 'facere', meaning 'to do', suggesting something is fully done or made.
The word 'perfect' originated from the Latin word 'perfectus', which means 'completed' or 'achieved'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'complete, faultless'. Over time, 'perfect' has come to represent the highest level of excellence and completeness in various contexts.
See also: imperfect, imperfection, perfecting, perfection, perfectionism, perfectionist, perfectly.