perfect
Definitions
Having no faults or flaws; complete in every way.
完美的；无瑕的。
Exactly suitable; ideal for a purpose.
理想的；恰好合适的。
To make something as good as it can be; to refine.
使完美；完善。
(grammar) The perfect tense.
（语法）完成时。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (thoroughly, all the way through) + fect (the weakened fac, 'done') = 'thoroughly done.' Something perfect has been finished completely, to the last detail, with nothing left to do — which is exactly why a perfect score or a perfect plan needs no improvement.
Root fac still carries 273 more wordsWhy It Means This
Perfect literally means 'thoroughly done.' The image is of a task carried all the way to completion: per- pushes the action through to the end, fect ('done') marks it finished. From 'completed to the last detail' came 'flawless,' and grammar borrowed the same idea — the 'perfect tense' describes an action seen as completed.
Usage Guide
Stress shifts with part of speech: PER-fect (/ˈpɜːfɪkt/) is the adjective ('a perfect day'); per-FECT (/pəˈfekt/) is the verb ('perfect your skills'). Same spelling, different stress and meaning — a classic noun/verb stress pair like OB-ject / ob-JECT.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She speaks perfect French after years abroad.
- 2.
This spot is perfect for a picnic.
- 3.
He spent years perfecting his technique.
- 4.
Nobody is perfect; everyone makes mistakes.