impeccable
UK[ɪmˈpɛkəb(ə)l]US[ɪmˈpɛkəb(ə)l]
adj
without any faults or mistakes; perfect.
adj
(of behavior, performance, or appearance) in accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
pecc
able
im
not
pecc
to sin, to fault
able
capable of
Etymology
the word impeccable has a direct and logical path from its latin components to its modern meaning. it is formed from the latin negative prefix in- (here assimilated to im- before 'p'), the verb peccare meaning "to sin or err", and the adjective-forming suffix -abilis. literally, it meant "not capable of sinning" or "not liable to err". this term was initially used in theological contexts to describe a quality of divine or moral perfection, such as the "impeccability" of christ. over time, the meaning broadened from the religious sphere of sinlessness to the secular realm of general faultlessness, applying to anything that cannot be criticized or that is free from any flaw, thus capturing its current sense of absolute perfection.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + pecc (to sin, to fault) + able (capable of)
- im: a latin prefix meaning "not", a variant of "in-" used before words beginning with 'b', 'm', or 'p'.
- pecc: from latin peccare, meaning "to sin, to make a mistake, to go wrong".
- able: a latin-derived suffix (via old french -able) meaning "capable of, worthy of, or tending to".
Examples
she has impeccable taste in art and design.
the waiter provided impeccable service throughout the entire meal.
his command of the language and his impeccable manners impressed everyone at the conference.