perfection

[per-fek-shuhn]

noun

1. the state or quality of being or becoming perfect.

2. the highest degree of proficiency, skill, or excellence, as in some art.

3. a perfect embodiment or example of something.

4. a quality, trait, or feature of the highest degree of excellence.

5. the highest or most nearly perfect degree of a quality or trait.

6. the act or fact of perfecting.

perfection

/ pəˈfɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of perfecting or the state or quality of being perfect

2. the highest degree of a quality, etc

   the perfection of faithfulness

3. an embodiment of perfection

Other Word Forms

• hyperperfection noun
• nonperfection noun
• superperfection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfection¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; from Latin perfectiōn-, stem of perfectiō “completion, finishing”; equivalent to perfect + -ion; replacing Middle English perfeccioun, perfectiun, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfection¹

C13: from Latin perfectiō a completing, from perficere to finish

Example Sentences

Our critic said the director’s “funniest and finest movie in many years is perfection all the way through.”

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“They expect both to be seamless and executed to perfection.”

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They are drawn to authenticity and individuality, not perfection.

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The rainbow carrots were roasted to perfection with a slightly charred exterior and a visible spice mix of paprika, cayenne, and other spices.

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The first Roman Torlonia acquired important antique sculptures assembled by earlier collectors, with everything restored to perfection—no missing noses or limbless torsos.

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Related Words

• accomplishment 
• evolution 
• excellence 
• fulfillment 
• ideal 
• integrity 
• precision 
• purity 
• quality 
• superiority 
• supremacy 
• transcendence 
• virtue