perfectly
Americanadverb
-
in a perfect manner or to a perfect degree.
to sing an aria perfectly.
- Synonyms:
- ideally, superbly, flawlessly
-
completely; fully; adequately.
This will suit my purpose perfectly.
He’s perfectly happy to help out.
She’s perfectly capable of making her own decision.
adverb
-
completely, utterly, or absolutely
-
in a perfect way; extremely well
Etymology
Origin of perfectly
First recorded in 1275–1325; perfect + -ly; replacing Middle English parfitly, derivative of parfit ( perfect )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a debate, Swinney said it was "perfectly conceivable" that a vote on the constitution could be held within two years.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
Balda and Mazin deliver a critical message for audiences of all ages in a succinct, no-rough-edges package with a perfectly ironed bow on top.
From Salon • May 25, 2026
The cameras were attached to trip wires so that when the horse passed each one, it would take a perfectly timed photograph.
From Slate • May 25, 2026
Toss in a banana, add some berries, blend, and you have what looks like a perfectly healthy drink.
From Science Daily • May 24, 2026
“You’ll be perfectly happy in the future. I promise.”
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
