perfection
gb/pɚfˈɛkʃən/ us/pɚfˈɛkʃən/
B2
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
state
1
The condition of being perfect
The state of being completely good, with no mistakes or problems.
Usage pattern:
[something] reaches perfection
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'perfection' with 'perfect'. 'Perfection' is a noun, while 'perfect' is an adjective.
Synonyms
flawlessness (More formal and focuses strictly on the absence of flaws.)
|
excellence (Implies very high quality but may allow minor imperfections.)
Antonyms
imperfection (Direct opposite, meaning a fault or flaw.)
|
defect (A specific problem or fault in something.)
Collocations
absolute perfection
|seek perfection
|achieve perfection
|near perfection
Themes
quality
|evaluation
|achievement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her performance was perfection from start to finish.
- The chef worked for years to bring his recipe to perfection.
- Many artists strive for perfection in their work.
- The symmetry of the design was close to perfection.
- He believes there is no such thing as human perfection.
Learner examples
- Her song was perfection.
- He wants perfection in his work.
- The cake was close to perfection.
- We try for perfection every day.
- She thinks perfection is not possible.
Noun
C1
entity
2
A perfect example of something
Someone or something that shows the best example of a quality.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is the perfection of [quality]
Synonyms
ideal (Represents the best possible standard, not necessarily flawless.)
|
paragon (A formal term for someone who is a model of excellence.)
Antonyms
poor example (Something that shows the opposite of the desired quality.)
Collocations
the very perfection of
|embody perfection
Themes
description
|comparison
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She was the very perfection of grace and beauty.
- This dish is the perfection of French cuisine.
- He is the perfection of kindness and patience.
Learner examples
- She is the perfection of beauty.
- This cake is the perfection of taste.
- He is the perfection of honesty.
Grammar
Dictionary form
perfection
IPA
GB/pɚfˈɛkʃən/
US/pɚfˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
per - fec - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: perfection
- Plural: perfection
Word family
Expressions
picture of perfection
1/pˈɪkt͡ʃɚ əv pɚfˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
Looks completely perfect
Looks perfect in every way.
Examples
- She stood there, the picture of perfection in her wedding dress.
- The garden in spring was the picture of perfection.
to a T
1/tə ə tˈi/
idiom
informal
Exactly right or perfect
When something is done exactly right, with no mistakes.
Examples
- The plan worked to a T.
- That dress suits you to a T.
practice makes perfect
1/pɹˈæktɪs mˈeɪks pˈɚfɛkt/
idiom
Practice leads to excellence
If you do something many times, you will get very good at it.
Examples
- Keep playing — practice makes perfect.
- She believes practice makes perfect in cooking.
practice makes perfect
2/pɹˈæktɪs mˈeɪks pˈɚfɛkt/
idiom
repeating leads to improvement
If you do something many times, you will get better at it.
Examples
- Keep trying—practice makes perfect!
- He plays the song every day because he knows that practice makes perfect.