perfect
UK[ˈpɜːfɪkt]US[ˈpɜːrfɪkt]
adj
Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.
adj
Complete and without fault or weakness; flawless.
v
To make something completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
fect
per
completely
fect
make, do
Etymology
The word 'perfect' entered English from the Latin 'perfectus', the past participle of 'perficere', meaning "to complete, finish, accomplish." This Latin verb is itself a compound of 'per-' (meaning "thoroughly") and 'facere' (meaning "to make or do"). Thus, the core literal sense is "thoroughly made" or "completely done." This notion of a finished, complete, and flawless state evolved from the physical act of completion to describe abstract ideals of excellence and faultlessness. The journey from the Proto-Indo-European root 'dʰeh₁-' (to put, to set) through Latin 'facere' illustrates the conceptual shift from the basic act of making to the ultimate state of being made whole.
Analysis
Structure: per (completely) + fect (make, do)
'per-' is a Latin prefix meaning "through, thoroughly, completely." '-fect' is from the Latin root 'facere' (to make, to do), appearing here in its past participial form 'fectus' (made, done).
Examples
The weather was perfect for a picnic.
She spent years perfecting her technique.
He gave a perfect imitation of the teacher's voice.