perfective

American  

[per-fek-tiv] / pərˈfɛk tɪv /

adjective

1. tending to make perfect; conducive to perfection.

2. Grammar. noting an aspect of verbal inflection, as in Russian, that indicates completion of the action or state denoted by the verb.

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noun

Grammar.

1. the perfective aspect.

2. a form in the perfective.

perfective British  

/ pəˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. tending to perfect

2. grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages, including English, used to express that the action or event described by the verb is or was completed: I lived in London for ten years is perfective; I have lived in London for ten years is imperfective, since the implication is that I still live in London

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Other Word Forms

• perfectively adverb
• perfectiveness noun
• perfectivity noun
• unperfective adjective
• unperfectively adverb
• unperfectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of perfective

From the Medieval Latin word perfectīvus, dating back to 1590–1600. See perfect, -ive

Example Sentences

Nor can he be expected to employ another familiar Deep South form, the perfective done, as in "he done did it."

From Time Magazine Archive

They were held to contain perfective rites and appearances and the tradition of the sacred doctrines necessary to the perfection or accomplishment of the most splendid visions.

From The Eleusinian Mysteries and Rites by Wright, Dudley

Not corruptive, privative, or destructive to the power of classical presbyteries, or single congregations; but rather perfective and conservative thereunto.

From The Divine Right of Church Government by Sundry Ministers Of Christ Within The City Of London by

The perfective is the ordinary style of an honest narrative.

From Tales of the Wilderness by Pilniak, Boris

The perfective part, said Proclus, precedes initiation, as initiation precedes inspection.

From The Eleusinian Mysteries and Rites by Wright, Dudley