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perfect

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈpɝˌfɪkt// per·fect
  1. 1 without flaws (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    having no mistakes, faults, or problems.

    entirely without any flaws, defects, or errors; meeting the highest possible standard of excellence.

    Example

    The weather was perfect for a picnic in the park.

    Example

    After months of rigorous practice, the gymnast delivered a perfect routine that earned her a standing ovation from the judges.
    Pitfall
    This is the most perfect day.
    This is a perfect day.

    In strict grammar, 'perfect' is non-gradable; something is either perfect or it is not, so avoid using 'more' or 'most'.

  2. 2 exact or complete (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    exactly right for a particular purpose or situation.

    fitting a particular requirement or definition precisely; complete in all respects.

    Example

    You are the perfect person for this job because of your experience.

    Example

    The small coastal village provided a perfect setting for the author's latest mystery novel, offering both isolation and atmosphere.
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  1. 3 to improve something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to work on something until it has no mistakes.

    to bring something to a state of completion or excellence through continuous refinement.

    Example

    She spent years trying to perfect her recipe for chocolate cake.

    Example

    The research team spent the better part of a decade attempting to perfect the carbon-capture technology before it was ready for commercial use.

    Usage

    The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
  2. 4 grammar tense (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Technical Grammar

    a verb form used to talk about completed actions, like 'I have eaten'.

    a tense or aspect that expresses an action as having been completed at the time of speaking.

    Example

    In English, we use the present perfect to talk about our life experiences.

    Example

    Students often struggle with the distinction between the past simple and the present perfect when describing specific historical events.

  3. 5 botany (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a flower that has both male and female parts.

    describing a flower that possesses both functional stamens and carpels.

    Example

    A lily is a perfect flower because it has both male and female reproductive organs.

    Example

    The botanist noted that while many garden species bear perfect flowers, others rely on separate male and female blooms to ensure cross-pollination.
  4. 6 music intervals (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    describing certain musical sounds that are very stable, like an octave.

    referring to intervals of a unison, fourth, fifth, or octave that are not augmented or diminished.

    Example

    The song begins with a perfect fifth, which sounds very clear and strong.

    Example

    The composer utilised perfect fourths and fifths to evoke a medieval atmosphere throughout the orchestral suite's opening movement.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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