Perfect
/ˈpɜːrfɪkt/
adjectivenounverbB1
Definition
Perfect describes something that has no errors or problems; it is exactly right or complete. It can be used for objects, ideas, actions, or people when they reach the highest quality or standard. As a noun, it can mean the state of being perfect, and as a verb, it means to make something as good as possible.
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See It in Action
Without any mistakes or faults; completely correct or excellent
- •She gave a perfect answer to the question.
- •The cake looked perfect with no cracks or burns.
- •His performance was perfect, and the audience loved it.
Complete and whole; having all necessary parts
- •The puzzle is perfect when all pieces fit together.
- •They found the perfect place for their picnic.
- •This is the perfect example of teamwork.
To make something as good as possible (verb)
- •He spent hours perfecting his painting.
- •The chef is perfecting the new recipe.
- •She wants to perfect her English pronunciation.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "perfect" like "good" (A1 word), but much stronger—no mistakes at all, the best possible
- ✓Picture a glass of water with no drops spilled, no dirt, and completely clear—that is perfect
- ✓It's the feeling when you do a test and get every answer right, making you very happy and proud
- ✓Sounds like "PUR-fect" → imagine a pure (clean) object that is exactly right without anything wrong
- ✓In stories, heroes often try to find the "perfect" solution to save the day, something that works without fail
- ✓NOT like "good" (which can have small mistakes), "perfect" means no mistakes or problems at all
- ✓NOT like "almost" (close but not complete), "perfect" means fully complete and correct
- ✓NOT like "improve" (making better), "perfect" is the final state after all improvements
Try Other Words
- •Flawless: without any mistakes or faults (Use when emphasizing no faults at all, often for appearance or quality)
- •Excellent: very good or better than average (Use when something is very good but not necessarily without any mistakes)
- •Complete: having all parts or elements (Use when focusing on something whole or finished)
- •Improve: to make better (Use when talking about the process before something becomes perfect)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "perfectus" meaning "completed" or "done thoroughly"
- •Etymology: Latin perfectus, past participle of perficere, meaning "to finish, complete"
- •Historical development: Originally meant "completed" or "fully done," later also "without mistakes"
- •Modern usage: Used to describe the highest quality or the state of being without errors; also used as a verb meaning to make something as good as possible
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be perfect for one person but not for another? How does this change the meaning of perfect?
•Is it always good to aim for perfect, or can trying to be perfect sometimes cause problems?
Fill in the blanks
1.She practiced every day to make her singing perfect, so she could ___ her skills.
2.A perfect answer has ___ mistakes and clearly shows you understand the topic.
3.Unlike a good try, a perfect result means everything was done ___.
4.When something is perfect, it usually feels ___ and complete, not missing anything.
5.They found the perfect ___ for the meeting, a quiet and comfortable room.
6.To perfect a skill, you need to work hard and ___ your mistakes.
7.If you say something is perfect, you mean it has no ___ or problems at all.