perfect1 adjectiveperfect2 verbperfect3 noun
perfectper‧fect1 /ˈpɜːfɪkt $ ˈpɜːr-/ ●●● S2 W2 adjective 
WORD ORIGINperfect1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French parfit, from Latin perfectus, past participle of perficere ‘to do completely, finish’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "How was your holiday?'' "Oh, just perfect!''
- perfect weather for a picnic
- A dry white wine is perfect with any fish dish.
- Beth and Martin always seemed to be the perfect couple.
- Cindy's been a perfect angel all morning.
- How could you have given that confidential information to a perfect stranger?
- It was a perfect day out.
- Michiko's English is perfect.
- My mother's in perfect health, even though she's nearly 80.
- That's a perfect example of what I was talking about.
- That sounds like the perfect job for you.
- The meal was absolutely perfect.
- The quilt is in nearly perfect condition.
- They seem to have a perfect marriage.
- This church is a perfect example of Gothic architecture.
- This dress will be perfect for the summer.
- We had perfect weather the whole trip.
- We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect.
- And many would say Oxford is the perfect place to set it.
- But it's cattle you should think of in this country, perfect dairy pasture, rich it is.
- His heroes are true heroes, but not perfect human beings.
- I peeled off her leather jacket and jeans and I really began to appreciate how perfect her body is.
- Moreover, as we shall see presently, the wheel is not one that revolves with perfect smoothness.
- Partnering the experienced Allen up front, in place of the suspended Trevor Morley, Jones supplied a perfect cross just before the interval.
- The perfect condition of everything had somewhat disguised the extreme age of the place, but now it was obvious.
- The aide reported to Daley that he was a perfect choice.
THESAURUSwithout anything wrong
used about something that is very good in every way, and could not be better: · We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect.· The meal was absolutely perfect.· She has perfect teeth.
without any mistakes or faults: · His English was flawless.· a faultless performance
so good that you cannot find anything wrong with it – used especially about someone’s behaviour, taste, or experience: · The food was excellent and the service impeccable.· a man of impeccable manners, charm, and sensibility· her mother's impeccable taste in clothing· The commission was composed of economists with impeccable credentials (=very impressive qualifications and experience, which are impossible to criticize).
(also unspoilt British English) an unspoiled area has not been changed or had ugly buildings, roads etc built on it: · a beautiful area of unspoiled countryside
most suitable completely suitable for something or someone: · It’s the perfect place to relax after a hard day at work.· It was a perfect day for going to the beach.· I think she would be perfect for him.
very suitable and exactly what you want – often used about someone or something that you imagine, but which does not really exist: · What would be your ideal job?· She still hasn’t found her ideal man.· It is the ideal place for a vacation.
especially spoken very good or suitable in every way: · The weather was just right for a day at the beach.· The dress is just right for you.
informal to be exactly what is needed or wanted: · Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day.· He’s just the person for the job.
Longman Language Activatorvery good, with nothing wrong someone or something that is perfect is good in every way and could not be any better: · We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect.absolutely perfect: · The meal was absolutely perfect.be in perfect health (=use this especially about someone who is old): · My mother's in perfect health, even though she's nearly 80.the perfect husband/secretary/couple etc: · Beth and Martin always seemed to be the perfect couple.
formal completely perfect, with no mistakes or faults at all: · Hiroshi's English was flawless.· He gave a faultless performance as Macbeth.
: model husband/wife/student etc someone who has all the qualities that a husband, wife, student etc should have: · Karen was a model student: hardworking, intelligent and enthusiastic.· Chris always got to work early and left late - the model employee.
formal behaviour that is impeccable , is so good that it is impossible to find anything wrong with it: impeccable manners/behaviour/taste etc: · Macdonald was an aristocratic character with impeccable manners.· As I expected, her house was decorated with impeccable taste.impeccable qualifications/credentials (=documents that show that your experience or skills are perfect for a particular job or situation): · On paper, her qualifications seemed to be impeccable.
say you can't fault something, when you cannot criticize it because it has no faults or mistakes: · I can't fault her driving, except that it's rather fast.· No one could fault the way he handled the crisis.
perfect over a long period of time: · The report stated that Stewart's character had remained completely unblemished.an unblemished reputation/record/past etc: · Mrs Falconer had an unblemished record of 27 years service with the company.· He has established an unblemished reputation for accuracy.
when something is so good that it could not be any better: · Don't expect perfection in your relationships.to perfection (=perfectly): · The pasta was cooked to perfection.
the best and most suitable person or thing completely suitable for a person or situation: · A dry white wine is perfect with any fish dish.perfect for: · This dress will be perfect for the summer.· perfect weather for a picnicthe perfect place/time/job etc: · That sounds like the perfect job for you.
very suitable and exactly what you want: · The house was a little too small so it was not ideal.ideal for: · It's a very relaxed hotel, ideal for families with young children.somebody's ideal man/woman/job/house etc (=one that has all the qualities you like best): · My ideal man would be someone like Mel Gibson.
spoken suitable in every way: · "Do these new curtains look OK?" "Yes, they're just right."just right for: · I'm glad they're getting married - they're just right for each other.
also be just the job British informal to be exactly what is needed: · Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day.be just the thing for: · A tall hedge would be just the job for that side of the garden.
specially designed for you, so that it is exactly what you need or want: · If you are an independent traveller, we can arrange a tailor-made tour.tailor-made for: · Our company can provide you with an insurance policy that is tailor-made for you.tailor-made to do something: · In the USA and Canada, a house is often tailor-made to fit the needs of the family that will live in it.
to make something perfect · The only way to perfect your accent is to go and live in France.· James was out on the ski slope, trying to perfect his short turns.· This technique was perfected by the Ancient Egyptians.perfect the art/technique of (doing) something · After eighteen years of marriage to Gemma, Ronald had perfected the art of keeping the peace.
written to make something perfect over a long period of time, especially when this takes a lot of care, practice, or skill: · Keeping the wine in a cool place for five years will bring it to perfection.· It requires considerable practise to bring the skill of weaving to perfection.
someone who is not satisfied with anything unless it is completely perfect: · Mart Kenney was a perfectionist, and his high standards were an example to everyone else.· She worked carefully on her drawing, with all the attention to detail of the perfectionist.
ways of saying what you would like to happen if everything was perfect use this when saying what you would like to happen if everything was perfect: · Ideally, we'd like to provide regular training for everyone.· In order to win, you must throw your opponent, ideally onto his back.
use this to say what would happen if the situation were perfect, even though you know that the situation can never be perfect: · In an ideal world we would be recycling and reusing everything.· Of course, in an ideal world there would be no war.
not perfect formal not completely correct or perfect: · Imperfect goods are sold off cheaply.· In general, people have a very imperfect knowledge of the law.· You have to accept that most relationships are imperfect.· She has anxieties and fears, like anyone else in this imperfect world.
something such as a plan, idea, or system that is flawed , has a fault which prevents it from working as well as it should do: · Each party rejected the other's approach, saying it was flawed.· flawed logic· The results are based on flawed interpretations of the data.deeply/seriously etc flawed: · Birch's analysis of the situation was deeply flawed.
in a perfect way · The coffee machine seems to work perfectly now.· He was perfectly dressed in a dark suit and tie.· After two years in Spain, Kate spoke the language perfectly.
if something happens, or has been done to perfection , it is perfect and you are very pleased with it: · Marge tried on the dress and it fitted to perfection.· By September the apples had ripened to perfection.
perfect as an idea, but impossible in reality · Plato dreamed of an ideal society.· A completely new kitchen would be ideal, but I don't think that we can afford it.
a utopian society is one in which you imagine there is a perfect social or political situation, although this is unlikely to ever really exist: · The debate was about the impossibility of a utopian society.a utopian dream (=when you think about and wish for utopian society): · Marxism was a Utopian dream.
also idealised British an idealized view or description of something considers or shows it as perfect when really it is not: · I think you have an idealized idea of what a doctor does.· The film showed an idealized view of rural life in the nineteenth century.· an idealized image of motherhood
to think that someone or something is perfect when they are not also idealise British to consider or show someone or something as perfect, without noticing their faults: · People often idealize the past.· She always idealized her father, who had died when she was five.
to wrongly think that someone is perfect so that you are unable to treat them as an ordinary person: · It's very common for men to put women they love on a pedestal.
if one person thinks that another person can do no wrong , they think they are perfect, even though they really do have faults: · Whatever trouble Eddy gets into, Mum still thinks he can do no wrong,· Of course, the fans believe that the players can do no wrong.
in a good condition something that is in good condition is not broken and has no marks or other things wrong with it: · The car hadn't been used much, and was in very good condition.· The charity is accepting toys and clothing in good condition.· The 3,000-year-old tools are still in such good condition it looks almost as if they were made yesterday.
something that is in good shape is in good condition - use this especially when you do not really expect it to be or when it was not always in such good condition: · Doctor Morrissey told her that her leg was healing well, and was now in very good shape.· To avoid accidents, it's important to check that all your tools are in good shape before starting.
British informal use this especially about something such as a car or a piece of equipment that is old or used, but is still in good condition and working well: · She keeps her car in really good nick.· My stereo's quite old but it's still in pretty good nick.
something that is in perfect or mint condition looks as good or works as well as when it was new, especially because it has not been used or touched very much: · The book is over 100 years old, but it's still in perfect condition.· I can't believe it. She's selling me her car for only £800 and it's still in mint condition.
especially spoken something that is as good as new is almost as good as when it was new - use this about things that have recently been cleaned or repaired: · I've just had the bike serviced, and it looks as good as new.
something you like or enjoy very much · Did you have a good weekend?· It's one of the best books I've ever read.· That smells good. What are you cooking?· There's nothing good on TV these days.· This year's show was much better than last year's.very/really good · We enjoyed our trip to Canada. It was really good.
pleasant or enjoyable: · I hope you have a nice vacation.· Come over on Saturday. It would be nice to see you.very/really nice: · She made us a really nice dinner.
spoken also excellent extremely good: · Thanks for a great afternoon.· "Did you have a good holiday?'' "It was great!''· Our local theatre has put on some excellent productions.· an excellent film
so good that it could not be made any better: · It was a perfect day out.· This church is a perfect example of Gothic architecture.· "How was your holiday?'' "Oh, just perfect!''
spoken very good in a way that makes you feel happy or excited: · The kids had a marvellous time at the carnival.· You get a wonderful view of the mountains from here.· The special effects in the movie were just fantastic.· Their latest album's terrific.
very good in a surprising and exciting way: · Standing there on top of Mount Fuji was an amazing experience.· What a goal! That was just incredible!
spoken extremely good: · You should come to the new sports centre - it's brilliant.· "How was your trip?" "Absolutely brilliant!"
American spoken very good or enjoyable: · That's such a neat car.really neat: · The fireworks over Golden Gate Park were really neat.
spoken use this to say that something is so good, enjoyable etc, that it is almost the best you have ever experienced: · Her new apartment's out of this world!· This is the best soufflé I've ever tasted -- it's out of this world.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meanings 1, 2 & 3adverbs
It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord. He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go. She had perfect diction. a story with a happy ending The dress was a perfect fit. The simple stone floor is the perfect foil for the brightly coloured furnishings. Martin – always the perfect gentleman – got to his feet when my mother walked in. She’s got perfect pitch. He was just walking into the restaurant when we got there. Perfect timing. The car was old, but the engine was still in good working order.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· His sight is absolutely perfect.
written (=absolutely perfect)· The old bottle was very dark blue and quite perfect.
· His collection included an almost perfect skeleton of an armadillo.· Her performance was near perfect.
(=not perfect)· So many excellent writers, for example Byron and Keats, were less than perfect spellers.
(=not at all perfect)· The weather conditions were far from perfect.
· The system was technically perfect.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord. He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.· I think I have the perfect answer to the problem.
· For older people a pet cat can be a very good companion.
(=perfect and with no marks or spots)· Foundation is meant to give the illusion of a flawless complexion.
(=a couple that seem very suitable for each other)· Emily and John seemed a perfect couple.
· We have a perfect description of the man we are looking for.
She had perfect diction. a story with a happy ending (=very typical)· This is a classic example of how not to run a business.· The pot is a perfect example of the Marine Style.· This is a prime example of government incompetence.
· The phone call gave me the perfect excuse to leave.
· She's in her seventies, but her eyesight is still perfect.
The dress was a perfect fit. The simple stone floor is the perfect foil for the brightly coloured furnishings. Martin – always the perfect gentleman – got to his feet when my mother walked in.· This book is the perfect gift for anybody who’s interested in birds.
(=happiness that is as good as it can be)· The birth of my child was a moment of sheer happiness.
· As producer and director, the Coen brothers work together in perfect harmony.
· Suddenly, his perfect manners were gone.
· I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her.· The moment is not quite right just yet.
· I'd been wanting to try sailing, and this seemed like the ideal opportunity.
She’s got perfect pitch.· The castle was a perfect setting for the wedding.
· Locking people in prison is not necessarily the ideal solution.
(=used to emphasize that you do not know the person)· Really, I don't know why I'm revealing all this to a complete stranger.
He was just walking into the restaurant when we got there. Perfect timing.· She smiled, showing a mouthful of perfect teeth.
· Babies aren’t born with perfect vision.
· It was glorious weather, so we decided to go for a picnic.
The car was old, but the engine was still in good working order.· She had flawless olive skin, huge dark eyes, an almost perfect profile.· With the economy behaving in almost perfect fashion, stock prices enjoyed some of their strongest gains in years.· I've taken it upon myself to assure the count that you're almost perfect.· His spelling, which had baffled Silverstein, was almost perfect.· The inlet is an almost perfect semi-circle backed by huge cliffs whose vegetation-hung rocks defy their position.· Next, cancer samples were hidden under bandages on a volunteer, and Pickel still reported an almost perfect record for George.· An almost perfect portrait of him.· And for much of the play, it looks like an almost perfect fit.
· He said he had never come across a clearer, more perfect case, with so many vital details so well remembered.· A more perfect ski day had not yet been minted.· And among his other antiques he had this chalcedony which was more perfect than anything I had ever seen.· I have never stood on a more perfect beach.· We don't have to be taller, shorter, slimmer or more perfect before he loves us.· The slates have more perfect planar partings and are so fine grained that individual minerals can not easily be seen.· Something that was eternal was more perfect than something that had to be created.· What I tried to do was obliterate this life and replace it with another, a more perfect one.
· Amativeness, that is, love, and the nervous system, are in the most perfect mutual sympathy.· At that point she suddenly realized that she had the most perfect, most gorgeous, most responsive baby in the world.· Debbie explained that even the most perfect love affairs sometimes have sell-by dates and she had reached hers.· There are people who consider this arrangement as being the most perfect construction yet devised for ships of medium size.· Idealist philosophers saw the human body as the most perfect expression of the vertebrate form.· For sev-eral months I have the most perfect job of my life.
· In the latter case the specimen is of near perfect geometry for a torsion test.· Conclusions: The velvet cloth is a near perfect black, but more expensive and less readily available than the other materials.· Unfortunately, strong winds curtailed the sport on a near perfect river level carrying about four inches extra, but fining off.· In the main, larval control would have to be near perfect in its efficiency and to allow very few adults to survive.· In this chapter, I look at what would happen if the acoustic-phonetic front-end did achieve near perfect performance.
· It's so perfect that they should effortlessly spawn the very stuff which facilitates the clicking of needles and clucking of tongues.· Everything was so artificial and so perfect.· Maybe she's not so perfect.· Well, everything's just so perfect for me now that my ideal man would have to be, too.· The fairways look so perfect, so uniform that the whole course looks carpeted.· It seems so natural and pure, so perfect.· Cake is always so perfect with coffee at supper time.· So tiny, so perfect, and all that dark hair!
NOUN· In such leaders, competence, vision, and virtue exist in nearly perfect balance.· But a simple squat can exercise most of the muscles in the body and yet keep it in perfect balance.· The perfect balance of arrogance and vulnerability.· Even the stables were in perfect balance.· Patrick went on to build irregular, non-symmetrical shapes with the connector rods that maintained perfect balance.· The lack of perfect balance and coil symmetry also allows some of the fundamental switching frequency to leak through.· Harold was flexing his muscles for the perfect balance, teeth bared, knife poised over his head.
· The need to relax the assumptions of perfect competition, and that the economy has attained equilibrium, is apparent.· Integrating transport costs into a general equilibrium trade model is a messy affair even with constant returns and perfect competition.· The great claim made for perfect competition is that it leads to efficiency.· The reason for this is probably that it implies oligopolies that behave in a way intermediate between perfect competition and monopoly.· While learning this, the novice student also learns that perfect competition does not exist.· Still central to much of contemporary price theory is the model of perfect competition.· What happens under perfect competition to the after-tax distribution of income may therefore be ambiguous.· Hence with our present framework perfect competition does not necessarily imply an efficient set of firms.
· The Clio reaches us in perfect condition, excepting a few scuffs on the steel wheel trims.· A tangerine-and-lime brocade formal in perfect condition comes to mind.· The storage buildings are specially designed and are equipped with sophisticated temperature and humidity controls to keep the potatoes in perfect condition.· His fur shone and his claws and teeth were in perfect condition.· The perfect condition of everything had somewhat disguised the extreme age of the place, but now it was obvious.· It was a warm and sunny day; perfect conditions for hillwalking and camping.· Revelling in the perfect conditions, Neath replied immediately to Bradshaw's score with a counter-attack from the half-way line.· The test for ammonia and nitrite shows perfect conditions every time, and disease and fish fatalities are rare.
· We ended a perfect day sipping sangria at a cliffside restaurant, relaxing in the spectacular sunset.· The eggshell-blue sky - the colour of the end of a perfect day.· The perfect end to a perfect day.· We are reassured that summer still exists by a perfect day at Camber Sands.· We agreed that it was indeed a fine day - a perfect day.· Just for a short while let this be the most perfect day of my life.· The evening sun of a perfect day was painting the wall above the chest of drawers in such a pretty soft way.
· My hon. Friend may be that perfect example of a person who never has Mr. Wilkinson No.· SurfWatch Software is a perfect example.· Follow Sartre, and call them a perfect example of free-association from a pre-Freudian couch.· Dry white Gascogne wines are perfect examples of wines that must be drunk young.· The caterwauling of an aggressive cat is a perfect example of a single signal that takes many different forms.· There are few, if any, political systems that are perfect examples of democracy or its opposites.· It was a perfect example of sheer brazen cheek.· The massive deinstitutionalization of mental patients in favor of community-based treatment during the 1970s was a perfect example.
· Johnson is a perfect fit for Mississippi State.· Sharp young coach and a perfect fit for a brand new team bursting with demographics.· If we have a perfect fit between what we want and what we get we do not bother about priorities.· I wanted him back because I thought he was a perfect fit for David as far as being vocal.· The priorities are obviously included in the perfect fit.· And for much of the play, it looks like an almost perfect fit.· It's also the same height as your kitchen units for a perfect fit.· Ogden and Arizona seem a perfect fit.
· His work makes a perfect foil to Brown's insane language games.· The bright flavor of paprika, in combination with sour cream, is a perfect foil for the succulent meat of rabbit.· A simple round neck style with wrist length sleeves it makes the perfect foil for a favourite scarf or piece of jewellery.· The intensely flavored, spicy mole, with chocolate as its base, is the perfect foil for wild turkey.
· Now that he was being the perfect gentleman in not pursuing her, at last she began to breathe more easily.· My own whip was a perfect gentleman, but it was really other colleagues who got really nasty.· Everybody envied Evelyn; her husband was always such a perfect gentleman.· He always had been a perfect gentleman.· You might say she behaved like a perfect gentleman.
· As far as our school was concerned the timing of this initiative was a perfect match with our stage of development.· Not that it was a perfect match.· A perfect match my sister used to say.· Salmon, with its reddish color, is a perfect match, as is ahi tuna.· His body, as though accustomed to her shape, her rhythm, accommodated itself to hers in perfect match.· But in a sense Helmsman is the perfect match for him.· All in all it is a perfect match reel.
· This match must have seemed the perfect opportunity for him to display his undoubted pace.· For Joseph LaRue, it was the perfect opportunity to do some growing up.· Charles had a perfect opportunity to show the world that the Waleses are a family reunited.· My phone call was a perfect opportunity for you to go public with the information.· Slightly puzzled, he decided to wait for the perfect opportunity.· Car rides, like mealtimes, can be perfect opportunities for conversations.· So here was the perfect opportunity for the profession as a whole to look decisive and effective.· A visit to West Dorset also offers a perfect opportunity to try your hand at windsurfing.
· His papers were in perfect order.· Maskelyne argued, then acceded that they were by all appearances in perfect order, and affixed his signature.· Everything was in perfect order, as if the place was waiting patiently for its occupants to arrive.· There were spiderwebs everywhere, but otherwise everything was in perfect order.· It means in simple terms that Reay is able to keep the looms running in perfect order.· Perfect discipline, perfect order, perfect cleanliness.· Who, she wondered, as she went to look at the kitchen, had kept the house in such perfect order?· The electricians were apprised so that all electrical appliances could be in perfect order.
· I believe that I have found the perfect person.· In short, he was the perfect person to produce the replica.· In many ways Bateson was the perfect person to oversee a transformation of this kind.
· In essays on whisky-tasting, sheath knives, deer hunting, he has a kind of perfect pitch.· I have neither perfect pitch nor a head for mathematics, and anyway who wants to compute the speed of history?· You had perfect pitch, my love.· In pastoral terms, the program had perfect pitch.· Computer games that require a player to recognise perfect pitch might also help, Saffran says.· But the five people in Saffran's group with perfect pitch had started learning aged four.· The woodwind maintained a perfect pitch and, like the strings and brass, produced a consistently voluptuous sound.· Tom had perfect pitch and a wonderful recall and he could sing whole passages from Boccherini's aviary music.
· The perfect place for a family visit followed by a walk and picnic.· It was also a perfect place to dream.· She was in his mind's eye now, like a fugitive from some more perfect place.· It was a perfect place to kill some one, he thought.· And many would say Oxford is the perfect place to set it.· For fantasies, the Great Plains are in many respects the perfect place.· It is an island full of contrasts, with the perfect place for everyone.· The Big A was the perfect place for Robinson a decade ago.
· I've a perfect right to my feelings.· If I want to move the television, I've got a perfect right to do so.· They have a perfect right to object to it.· It had got up Rufus's nose a bit, though Adam had a perfect right to do this.
· To a Yek accomplished in the ways of the court the whole scheme would make perfect sense however.· Her ending works because it makes perfect sense.· But it does make perfect sense in context.· Brown makes perfect sense, but Hobbs said he deserves to start ahead of Jett.· And with the slow-going afternoon the world all at once can make perfect sense.· The wonderful thing is that in the Hansard parliamentary records Mr Prescott's words will make perfect sense.· Once you understand the panic attack problem, these particular fears of public places make perfect sense.
· Lain's Barn is the perfect setting for Midwinter merchants, selling everything from weapons to costume.· It made a perfect setting for Murder in the Dark.· Long and narrow frames make the perfect setting for such sophisticated pressed flower designs as this one.· Occasionally archery competitions are held here - a perfect setting for such an event.· The perfect setting for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
· It seemed to be the perfect solution - contraception without constraining the fountain of male pleasure.· Even if a perfect solution is not found, the child goes from being passive to planning a strategy and eventually acting.· Sensitive skins need the gentle touch - Moistura fragrance Free products from Cyclax provide the perfect solution.· There are no perfect solutions in a world where most parents work and most kids get sick.· Alternet is the perfect solution for 10BaseT users who want the flexibility that thin coax provides.· A mix of black and gold separates is a perfect solution.· No doubt the perfect solution is to fly down in your own plane.· Then, in a flash, the perfect solution occurred to her.
· Again he was a person, no longer a perfect stranger.· Some oranges in a commune, like perfect strangers, dwell upon their own navels, untransformed.· A year before he had, but that year had changed him, eliminated the sentiment and made him a perfect stranger.· Asked to stand guard over good or treasure, they would good-naturedly hand everything over to a perfect stranger.· They put money on the table, too, perfect strangers expressing unmistakable monetary interest in the Tonelli Nation.· I was then to ask what people thought about being smiled at by a perfect stranger.· She turned into an expert at coaxing food and lodging invitations out of perfect strangers.
· It was a perfect time for the launch of Black Dwarf, but there too there were problems.· But the beginning of a second term is a perfect time for a rejuvenating administration shake-up.· It is the perfect time to stand back and look at how the beauty of nature can enhance your surroundings.· The Cats had found themselves at the absolute perfect time.· The Sergeant-Major had said that like all other legionnaires we would learn to sing in perfect time, so sing we would.· Management felt this was the perfect time to rethink the business, when there was no crisis.· Now so many knitters can use it this seems the perfect time to elaborate upon it.· Our weightless feet beat perfect time through city streets and wooded ravines.
· A perfect way to begin her day.· It seemed the perfect way to spend their retirement, and the couple quickly applied.· Creamy, blue-veined Dolcelatte is the perfect way to round off your meals and delicious to nibble in between.· Couples say that running is a perfect way to increase their time together.· A perfect way to end a perfect cruise day.· The stylish hand held Ultratone Facial unit is the perfect way to achieve tone and lift, keeping your face looking good.· It was argued that the rule of having only Yorkshire-born players was the perfect way of keeping out the non-whites.
· But we don't live in a perfect world.· Each had its own impossible plan for a perfect world, usually either socialist or Zionist.· In a perfect world, he would simply stuff the paper straight into his pocket.· In a perfect world, presidential campaigns should leave the judiciary alone.· This was an unusual arrangement which might have worked in a perfect world.· In a perfect world, there would be a single universal e-mail directory.· But this is not a perfect world.· What her daddy may have felt was the crushing weight of building a perfect world for his baby.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► perfect stormPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the future perfect► the present perfect
- OK, so he made some mistakes - nobody's perfect.
- You have a perfect right to say "no" if you don't want to do it.
- They have a perfect right to object to it.
- A year before he had, but that year had changed him, eliminated the sentiment and made him a perfect stranger.
- Again he was a person, no longer a perfect stranger.
- Asked to stand guard over good or treasure, they would good-naturedly hand everything over to a perfect stranger.
- I was then to ask what people thought about being smiled at by a perfect stranger.
- She turned into an expert at coaxing food and lodging invitations out of perfect strangers.
- Some oranges in a commune, like perfect strangers, dwell upon their own navels, untransformed.
- They put money on the table, too, perfect strangers expressing unmistakable monetary interest in the Tonelli Nation.
- There is no such thing as the perfect crime.
- Colin was fulsome in his praise of the role of finance directors in delivering a near impossible set of financial reforms.
- Comets therefore tend to explode into vapor with near perfect efficiency and devastating power on impact.
- Conclusions: The velvet cloth is a near perfect black, but more expensive and less readily available than the other materials.
- In the latter case the specimen is of near perfect geometry for a torsion test.
- In the main, larval control would have to be near perfect in its efficiency and to allow very few adults to survive.
- So everything seemed okay: the barn was secure, the food supply was better than good and the terrain near perfect.
- That doesn't stop Hedley from dreaming of owning a video store, even though it seems near impossible.
- Unfortunately, strong winds curtailed the sport on a near perfect river level carrying about four inches extra, but fining off.
- Finally, Mr Shapiro points out, practice makes perfect.
- Whatever caulk you use, remember that practice makes perfect.
- But like a single gear in a mechanical clock, timeless can not keep good time all by itself.
- Nothing unusual - clocks behaving as before, keeping good time and continuing to emit their light beams.
- Running in a clump through a crowded station, like the Bash Street Kids, keeping perfect time with chant and clap.
WORD FAMILYnounperfection ≠ imperfectionperfectionistperfectionismperfectibilityadjectiveperfect ≠ imperfectperfectibleperfectionistverbperfectadverbperfectly ≠ imperfectly
1not having any mistakes, faults, or damage OPP imperfect: His English was perfect. The car was in perfect condition. You’re very lucky to have perfect teeth. a perfect performance In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need an army.2as good as possible, or the best of its kind: The weather was perfect the whole week. a perfect example of Gothic architecture The clothes were a perfect fit. a perfect solution to the problem Ronnie was in perfect health.perfect timing (=used when something happens at exactly the right time) Good, you’re home. Perfect timing – dinner’s on the table.3exactly what is needed for a particular purpose, situation, or person SYN ideal: That’s perfect! Just the way I wanted it to look. Crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to this soup.perfect for The land is perfect for sheep farming.perfect way/place/time etc to do something She thought she’d found the perfect place to live.perfect day/place/person etc for something a perfect day for a picnic the perfect actor for the part4nobody’s perfect spoken said when you are answering someone who has criticized you or someone else: So I made a mistake! Nobody’s perfect.5have a perfect right to do something used to emphasize that it is reasonable for someone to do something: He has a perfect right to know what’s happening.6 perfect stranger/fool/angel etc used to emphasize that someone has a particular quality completely SYN complete, total: I felt a perfect idiot.7perfect storm a very bad event that happens because a number of things happen at the same time, which is unusual: The economy has been hit by a perfect storm. → perfectly, → practice makes perfect at practice(9), → present perfect, past perfectCOLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1, 2 & 3adverbsabsolutely perfect· His sight is absolutely perfect.quite perfect written (=absolutely perfect)· The old bottle was very dark blue and quite perfect.almost/nearly/near perfect· His collection included an almost perfect skeleton of an armadillo.· Her performance was near perfect.less than perfect (=not perfect)· So many excellent writers, for example Byron and Keats, were less than perfect spellers.far from perfect (=not at all perfect)· The weather conditions were far from perfect.technically perfect· The system was technically perfect.THESAURUSwithout anything wrongperfect used about something that is very good in every way, and could not be better: · We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect.· The meal was absolutely perfect.· She has perfect teeth.flawless/faultless without any mistakes or faults: · His English was flawless.· a faultless performanceimpeccable so good that you cannot find anything wrong with it – used especially about someone’s behaviour, taste, or experience: · The food was excellent and the service impeccable.· a man of impeccable manners, charm, and sensibility· her mother's impeccable taste in clothing· The commission was composed of economists with impeccable credentials (=very impressive qualifications and experience, which are impossible to criticize).unspoiled (also unspoilt British English) an unspoiled area has not been changed or had ugly buildings, roads etc built on it: · a beautiful area of unspoiled countrysidemost suitableperfect completely suitable for something or someone: · It’s the perfect place to relax after a hard day at work.· It was a perfect day for going to the beach.· I think she would be perfect for him.ideal very suitable and exactly what you want – often used about someone or something that you imagine, but which does not really exist: · What would be your ideal job?· She still hasn’t found her ideal man.· It is the ideal place for a vacation.just right especially spoken very good or suitable in every way: · The weather was just right for a day at the beach.· The dress is just right for you.be just the thing/person informal to be exactly what is needed or wanted: · Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day.· He’s just the person for the job.perfect1 adjectiveperfect2 verbperfect3 noun
perfectper‧fect2 /pəˈfekt $ pər-/ ●○○ verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
perfect
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | perfect |
| he, she, it | perfects | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | perfected |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have perfected |
| he, she, it | has perfected | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had perfected |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will perfect |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have perfected |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am perfecting |
| he, she, it | is perfecting | |
| you, we, they | are perfecting | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was perfecting |
| you, we, they | were perfecting | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been perfecting |
| he, she, it | has been perfecting | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been perfecting |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be perfecting |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been perfecting |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- After eighteen years of marriage to Gemma, Ronald had perfected the art of keeping the peace.
- Dom Perignon perfected the art of blending wines from many different vineyards.
- James was out on the ski slope, trying to perfect his short turns.
- Luke perfected his cooking skills after he got married.
- The best way to perfect your Spanish is to live in a country where it's spoken.
- The Chief Executive of the company said that they had spent ten years on perfecting the product.
- The only way to perfect your accent is to go and live in France.
- This technique was perfected by the Ancient Egyptians.
- But the engineers say it will be 10 years before they perfect the technology to make this possible.
- Do not try to perfect your normal eating routine.
- In perfecting their skills, they have to give up habits and responses that impede their performance.
- It was stated at the outset that this system would not be here, and at once, perfected.
- Over the last couple of decades, managing such funds has become a pretty well perfected science.
- The stunt took two years to perfect, and the team used a series of remote cameras to film every breath-taking second.
- This can be instinctive and it can also be perfected and developed.
Longman Language Activatorvery good, with nothing wrong
someone or something that is perfect is good in every way and could not be any better: · We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect.absolutely perfect: · The meal was absolutely perfect.be in perfect health (=use this especially about someone who is old): · My mother's in perfect health, even though she's nearly 80.the perfect husband/secretary/couple etc: · Beth and Martin always seemed to be the perfect couple.
formal completely perfect, with no mistakes or faults at all: · Hiroshi's English was flawless.· He gave a faultless performance as Macbeth.
: model husband/wife/student etc someone who has all the qualities that a husband, wife, student etc should have: · Karen was a model student: hardworking, intelligent and enthusiastic.· Chris always got to work early and left late - the model employee.
formal behaviour that is impeccable , is so good that it is impossible to find anything wrong with it: impeccable manners/behaviour/taste etc: · Macdonald was an aristocratic character with impeccable manners.· As I expected, her house was decorated with impeccable taste.impeccable qualifications/credentials (=documents that show that your experience or skills are perfect for a particular job or situation): · On paper, her qualifications seemed to be impeccable.
say you can't fault something, when you cannot criticize it because it has no faults or mistakes: · I can't fault her driving, except that it's rather fast.· No one could fault the way he handled the crisis.
perfect over a long period of time: · The report stated that Stewart's character had remained completely unblemished.an unblemished reputation/record/past etc: · Mrs Falconer had an unblemished record of 27 years service with the company.· He has established an unblemished reputation for accuracy.
when something is so good that it could not be any better: · Don't expect perfection in your relationships.to perfection (=perfectly): · The pasta was cooked to perfection.
the best and most suitable person or thing completely suitable for a person or situation: · A dry white wine is perfect with any fish dish.perfect for: · This dress will be perfect for the summer.· perfect weather for a picnicthe perfect place/time/job etc: · That sounds like the perfect job for you.
very suitable and exactly what you want: · The house was a little too small so it was not ideal.ideal for: · It's a very relaxed hotel, ideal for families with young children.somebody's ideal man/woman/job/house etc (=one that has all the qualities you like best): · My ideal man would be someone like Mel Gibson.
spoken suitable in every way: · "Do these new curtains look OK?" "Yes, they're just right."just right for: · I'm glad they're getting married - they're just right for each other.
also be just the job British informal to be exactly what is needed: · Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day.be just the thing for: · A tall hedge would be just the job for that side of the garden.
specially designed for you, so that it is exactly what you need or want: · If you are an independent traveller, we can arrange a tailor-made tour.tailor-made for: · Our company can provide you with an insurance policy that is tailor-made for you.tailor-made to do something: · In the USA and Canada, a house is often tailor-made to fit the needs of the family that will live in it.
to make something perfect · The only way to perfect your accent is to go and live in France.· James was out on the ski slope, trying to perfect his short turns.· This technique was perfected by the Ancient Egyptians.perfect the art/technique of (doing) something · After eighteen years of marriage to Gemma, Ronald had perfected the art of keeping the peace.
written to make something perfect over a long period of time, especially when this takes a lot of care, practice, or skill: · Keeping the wine in a cool place for five years will bring it to perfection.· It requires considerable practise to bring the skill of weaving to perfection.
someone who is not satisfied with anything unless it is completely perfect: · Mart Kenney was a perfectionist, and his high standards were an example to everyone else.· She worked carefully on her drawing, with all the attention to detail of the perfectionist.
ways of saying what you would like to happen if everything was perfect use this when saying what you would like to happen if everything was perfect: · Ideally, we'd like to provide regular training for everyone.· In order to win, you must throw your opponent, ideally onto his back.
use this to say what would happen if the situation were perfect, even though you know that the situation can never be perfect: · In an ideal world we would be recycling and reusing everything.· Of course, in an ideal world there would be no war.
not perfect formal not completely correct or perfect: · Imperfect goods are sold off cheaply.· In general, people have a very imperfect knowledge of the law.· You have to accept that most relationships are imperfect.· She has anxieties and fears, like anyone else in this imperfect world.
something such as a plan, idea, or system that is flawed , has a fault which prevents it from working as well as it should do: · Each party rejected the other's approach, saying it was flawed.· flawed logic· The results are based on flawed interpretations of the data.deeply/seriously etc flawed: · Birch's analysis of the situation was deeply flawed.
in a perfect way · The coffee machine seems to work perfectly now.· He was perfectly dressed in a dark suit and tie.· After two years in Spain, Kate spoke the language perfectly.
if something happens, or has been done to perfection , it is perfect and you are very pleased with it: · Marge tried on the dress and it fitted to perfection.· By September the apples had ripened to perfection.
perfect as an idea, but impossible in reality · Plato dreamed of an ideal society.· A completely new kitchen would be ideal, but I don't think that we can afford it.
a utopian society is one in which you imagine there is a perfect social or political situation, although this is unlikely to ever really exist: · The debate was about the impossibility of a utopian society.a utopian dream (=when you think about and wish for utopian society): · Marxism was a Utopian dream.
also idealised British an idealized view or description of something considers or shows it as perfect when really it is not: · I think you have an idealized idea of what a doctor does.· The film showed an idealized view of rural life in the nineteenth century.· an idealized image of motherhood
to think that someone or something is perfect when they are not also idealise British to consider or show someone or something as perfect, without noticing their faults: · People often idealize the past.· She always idealized her father, who had died when she was five.
to wrongly think that someone is perfect so that you are unable to treat them as an ordinary person: · It's very common for men to put women they love on a pedestal.
if one person thinks that another person can do no wrong , they think they are perfect, even though they really do have faults: · Whatever trouble Eddy gets into, Mum still thinks he can do no wrong,· Of course, the fans believe that the players can do no wrong.
to keep improving something until it is perfect to improve something such as a skill, system, or something you have designed until you make it perfect: · The best way to perfect your Spanish is to live in a country where it's spoken.· The Chief Executive of the company said that they had spent ten years on perfecting the product.perfect the art/technique etc (of doing something): · Dom Perignon perfected the art of blending wines from many different vineyards.
to make something as good as possible by checking it again and again and making small changes each time until you are satisfied: · Volvo spent three years refining the design of their new car.· It was a four week course, aimed at refining our understanding of the managerial role.
to make small changes to a plan or system that is already good, so that it works as well as possible: · You've established the general direction you want to go in, now you need to fine-tune your plans.· The election campaign had to be constantly fine-tuned so that the right message got across.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord. He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go. She had perfect diction. a story with a happy ending The dress was a perfect fit. The simple stone floor is the perfect foil for the brightly coloured furnishings. Martin – always the perfect gentleman – got to his feet when my mother walked in. She’s got perfect pitch. He was just walking into the restaurant when we got there. Perfect timing. The car was old, but the engine was still in good working order.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord. He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.· I think I have the perfect answer to the problem.
· For older people a pet cat can be a very good companion.
(=perfect and with no marks or spots)· Foundation is meant to give the illusion of a flawless complexion.
(=a couple that seem very suitable for each other)· Emily and John seemed a perfect couple.
· We have a perfect description of the man we are looking for.
She had perfect diction. a story with a happy ending (=very typical)· This is a classic example of how not to run a business.· The pot is a perfect example of the Marine Style.· This is a prime example of government incompetence.
· The phone call gave me the perfect excuse to leave.
· She's in her seventies, but her eyesight is still perfect.
The dress was a perfect fit. The simple stone floor is the perfect foil for the brightly coloured furnishings. Martin – always the perfect gentleman – got to his feet when my mother walked in.· This book is the perfect gift for anybody who’s interested in birds.
(=happiness that is as good as it can be)· The birth of my child was a moment of sheer happiness.
· As producer and director, the Coen brothers work together in perfect harmony.
· Suddenly, his perfect manners were gone.
· I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her.· The moment is not quite right just yet.
· I'd been wanting to try sailing, and this seemed like the ideal opportunity.
She’s got perfect pitch.· The castle was a perfect setting for the wedding.
· Locking people in prison is not necessarily the ideal solution.
(=used to emphasize that you do not know the person)· Really, I don't know why I'm revealing all this to a complete stranger.
He was just walking into the restaurant when we got there. Perfect timing.· She smiled, showing a mouthful of perfect teeth.
· Babies aren’t born with perfect vision.
· It was glorious weather, so we decided to go for a picnic.
The car was old, but the engine was still in good working order.· After 50 years of experience we have perfected the art of passenger hospitality on long flights.· I perfect the art of seductive banter.· This means that the only opportunity for perfecting the art of sentencing is by practising on actual offenders.· Nancy Reagan perfected the art of the adoring smile.· But she had spent many years perfecting the art of the memo.· Typically McGeechan will do more work with the whole squad before the forwards go off to perfect their blacker arts.· So they perfect the art of inhibited assault.
· Reagan had no record to defend and had spent years perfecting the skills required to project an effective personal image.· In perfecting their skills, they have to give up habits and responses that impede their performance.· It is also time to perfect the skills of the historian.
· A clinic has perfected a £3,500 technique to help make them fathers again.· So they have perfected the technique of doorstep delivery, using women instead of men to provide the needed counseling.· He had perfected the technique of not being noticed to a fine art.· Milan and Jovana have been perfecting their technique.· Before you try it on your garment, knit a test piece of band so that you can perfect the technique.· One enthusiast has constructed a gallows-like contraption in order to perfect his technique.· He spent a further two years perfecting his technique at Colorado University.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the future perfect► the present perfect
- There is no such thing as the perfect crime.
- Colin was fulsome in his praise of the role of finance directors in delivering a near impossible set of financial reforms.
- Comets therefore tend to explode into vapor with near perfect efficiency and devastating power on impact.
- Conclusions: The velvet cloth is a near perfect black, but more expensive and less readily available than the other materials.
- In the latter case the specimen is of near perfect geometry for a torsion test.
- In the main, larval control would have to be near perfect in its efficiency and to allow very few adults to survive.
- So everything seemed okay: the barn was secure, the food supply was better than good and the terrain near perfect.
- That doesn't stop Hedley from dreaming of owning a video store, even though it seems near impossible.
- Unfortunately, strong winds curtailed the sport on a near perfect river level carrying about four inches extra, but fining off.
- Finally, Mr Shapiro points out, practice makes perfect.
- Whatever caulk you use, remember that practice makes perfect.
- But like a single gear in a mechanical clock, timeless can not keep good time all by itself.
- Nothing unusual - clocks behaving as before, keeping good time and continuing to emit their light beams.
- Running in a clump through a crowded station, like the Bash Street Kids, keeping perfect time with chant and clap.
WORD FAMILYnounperfection ≠ imperfectionperfectionistperfectionismperfectibilityadjectiveperfect ≠ imperfectperfectibleperfectionistverbperfectadverbperfectly ≠ imperfectly
to make something as good as you are able to: Mock trials help students perfect their legal skills.perfect1 adjectiveperfect2 verbperfect3 noun
perfectper‧fect3 /ˈpɜːfɪkt $ ˈpɜːr-/ noun COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord. He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go. She had perfect diction. a story with a happy ending The dress was a perfect fit. The simple stone floor is the perfect foil for the brightly coloured furnishings. Martin – always the perfect gentleman – got to his feet when my mother walked in. She’s got perfect pitch. He was just walking into the restaurant when we got there. Perfect timing. The car was old, but the engine was still in good working order.
It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord. He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.· I think I have the perfect answer to the problem.
· For older people a pet cat can be a very good companion.
(=perfect and with no marks or spots)· Foundation is meant to give the illusion of a flawless complexion.
(=a couple that seem very suitable for each other)· Emily and John seemed a perfect couple.
· We have a perfect description of the man we are looking for.
She had perfect diction. a story with a happy ending (=very typical)· This is a classic example of how not to run a business.· The pot is a perfect example of the Marine Style.· This is a prime example of government incompetence.
· The phone call gave me the perfect excuse to leave.
· She's in her seventies, but her eyesight is still perfect.
The dress was a perfect fit. The simple stone floor is the perfect foil for the brightly coloured furnishings. Martin – always the perfect gentleman – got to his feet when my mother walked in.· This book is the perfect gift for anybody who’s interested in birds.
(=happiness that is as good as it can be)· The birth of my child was a moment of sheer happiness.
· As producer and director, the Coen brothers work together in perfect harmony.
· Suddenly, his perfect manners were gone.
· I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her.· The moment is not quite right just yet.
· I'd been wanting to try sailing, and this seemed like the ideal opportunity.
She’s got perfect pitch.· The castle was a perfect setting for the wedding.
· Locking people in prison is not necessarily the ideal solution.
(=used to emphasize that you do not know the person)· Really, I don't know why I'm revealing all this to a complete stranger.
He was just walking into the restaurant when we got there. Perfect timing.· She smiled, showing a mouthful of perfect teeth.
· Babies aren’t born with perfect vision.
· It was glorious weather, so we decided to go for a picnic.
The car was old, but the engine was still in good working order.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the future perfect► the present perfect
the perfect technical the form of a verb which is used when talking about a period of time up to and including the present. In English, it is formed with ‘have’ and the past participle. SYN present perfect → past perfect- There is no such thing as the perfect crime.
- Colin was fulsome in his praise of the role of finance directors in delivering a near impossible set of financial reforms.
- Comets therefore tend to explode into vapor with near perfect efficiency and devastating power on impact.
- Conclusions: The velvet cloth is a near perfect black, but more expensive and less readily available than the other materials.
- In the latter case the specimen is of near perfect geometry for a torsion test.
- In the main, larval control would have to be near perfect in its efficiency and to allow very few adults to survive.
- So everything seemed okay: the barn was secure, the food supply was better than good and the terrain near perfect.
- That doesn't stop Hedley from dreaming of owning a video store, even though it seems near impossible.
- Unfortunately, strong winds curtailed the sport on a near perfect river level carrying about four inches extra, but fining off.
- Finally, Mr Shapiro points out, practice makes perfect.
- Whatever caulk you use, remember that practice makes perfect.
- But like a single gear in a mechanical clock, timeless can not keep good time all by itself.
- Nothing unusual - clocks behaving as before, keeping good time and continuing to emit their light beams.
- Running in a clump through a crowded station, like the Bash Street Kids, keeping perfect time with chant and clap.