You can use perfectly to emphasize an adjective or adverb, especially when you think the person you are talking to might doubt what you are saying.
[emphasis]
There's no reason why you can't have a perfectly normal child.
They made it perfectly clear that it was pointless to go on.
They are perfectly safe to eat.
You know perfectly well what happened.
Synonyms: completely, totally, entirely, absolutely More Synonyms of perfectly
2. adverb [ADVERB with verb]
If something is done perfectly, it is done so well that it could not possibly be done better.
This adaptation perfectly captures the spirit of Kurt Vonnegut's novel.
The system worked perfectly.
Synonyms: flawlessly, ideally, wonderfully, superbly More Synonyms of perfectly
3. adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]
If you describe something as perfectly good or acceptable, you are emphasizing that there is no reason to use or get something else, although other people may disagree.
[emphasis]
You can buy perfectly good instruments for a lot less.
perfectly in British English
(ˈpɜːfɪktlɪ)
adverb
1.
completely, utterly, or absolutely
2.
in a perfect way; extremely well
perfectly in American English
(ˈpɜrfɪktli)
adverb
1.
so as to be perfect; to a perfect degree
2.
completely; fully
Examples of 'perfectly' in a sentence
perfectly
It is perfectly normal but there are some exercises you can do to reduce it.
The Sun (2016)
Our forebears were perfectly well able to adapt their message to the medium.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is perfectly clear to me.
The Sun (2016)
For many, incorporation is perfectly reasonable as it confers safer limited liability status.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Growing up in an environment where you think it's perfectly acceptable to do that.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The Lords would doubtless say they were perfectly happy as they are.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
When you already have a perfectly good house made out of bricks, why have it made in biscuits as well?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is perfectly normal that there are family memories that hold unhappiness and pain, particularly around times of loss and trauma.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Rooms are modelled on ships' cabins; they are small but perfectly formed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Definitely, the hotel is small but perfectly formed and is an ideal base for exploring the Kent coast.
The Sun (2016)
Why do producers feel the need to mess around with perfectly good shows?
The Sun (2008)
So it feels perfectly normal to me.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It was so absolutely perfectly shaped and designed.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Make it perfectly clear what you need from your holiday and what you can do without.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Your leg can manage perfectly well without the small piece of vein which is removed.
Wallace, Louise M & Bundy, Christine Coping with Angina (1990)
Views that were shocking then now seem perfectly reasonable.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Yet his system handles dietary fats perfectly while mine goes wild.
Kowalski, Robert E The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure (1990)
This is a perfectly acceptable and very green way to recycle unwanted gifts.
The Sun (2009)
She appears to have no memory of them in the morning and seems perfectly happy.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Who needs a reason when you can have a perfectly good mystery instead?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The conversation is peppered with his perfectly formed soundbites.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It seems to me perfectly clear that hydrogen is the obvious replacement.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You know perfectly well you are just making a noise.
The Sun (2015)
There is a perfectly reasonable case for progressive liberal reform of penal policy.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This goes perfectly with any roast meat.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
So they might well be inclined to see huge salaries as perfectly acceptable.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Let him see you bald if he is perfectly happy about it.
Steel, Elizabeth Coping With Sudden Hair Loss (1988)
Some planning is clearly wrong and other arrangements perfectly good.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But he was always perfectly clear that the endgame was to be part of a bigger organisation.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Part of me wants to kick her up her perfectly formed backside and tell her to count her blessings.
The Sun (2007)
They all do one thing, absolutely perfectly.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
perfectly
British English: perfectly /ˈpɜːfɪktlɪ/ ADVERB
You can use perfectly to emphasize an adjective or adverb, especially when you think the person you are talking to might doubt what you are saying.