perfectly
gb/pˈɚfəktli/ us/pˈɚfəktli/
A2
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Completely without any fault
In a way that is 100% correct or without any mistakes.
Usage pattern:
[someone] does [something] perfectly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'perfectly' with 'perfect' when describing actions. 'Perfect' is an adjective, while 'perfectly' is an adverb.
Synonyms
flawlessly (Stronger emphasis on being without any flaw or imperfection.)
Antonyms
imperfectly (Indicates that something is done with mistakes or flaws.)
Collocations
work perfectly
|fit perfectly
|perform perfectly
|explain perfectly
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The machine is now working perfectly after the repair.
- She played the piano piece perfectly from start to finish.
- The two parts fit together perfectly.
Learner examples
- He speaks English perfectly.
- The phone works perfectly.
- She can cook this dish perfectly.
adverb
B1
property
2
Completely or absolutely
Used to show that something is 100% true or sure.
Usage pattern:
perfectly [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'perfectly' for emphasis where 'very' or 'completely' would sound more natural.
Synonyms
absolutely (Similar in meaning but more general and less formal.)
Antonyms
partially (Means only to some extent, not completely.)
Collocations
perfectly clear
|perfectly normal
|perfectly safe
|perfectly acceptable
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Your explanation is perfectly clear.
- It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before a test.
- The road ahead is perfectly safe.
Learner examples
- It is perfectly fine to ask questions.
- I am perfectly sure about my answer.
- This room is perfectly clean.
Grammar
Dictionary form
perfectly
IPA
GB/pˈɚfəktli/
US/pˈɚfəktli/
Syllables & stress
per - fectly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: perfectly
- Plural: perfectlies
Word family
Forms
perfectlies
noun
Core family
perfect
adjective A2
perfection
noun B2
Related words
perfectionist
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
make it perfectly clear
1/mˈeɪk ˈɪt pˈɚfəktli klˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
State something without any doubt
Say something in a way that everyone understands and there is no confusion.
Examples
- Let me make it perfectly clear: we will not tolerate cheating.
- He made it perfectly clear that he was not interested.
perfectly clear
1/pˈɚfəktli klˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
Completely easy to understand
Very easy to understand; not confusing at all.
Examples
- Her instructions were perfectly clear, so no one got lost.
- I want to make it perfectly clear that this behavior is unacceptable.
perfectly well
1/pˈɚfəktli wˈɛl/
fixed phrase
Completely able or fine
Being totally able to do something, or in good condition.
Examples
- You know perfectly well what I mean.
- The car runs perfectly well after the service.
perfectly normal
1/pˈɚfəktli nˈɔɹməl/
fixed phrase
completely usual or expected
Totally usual; not strange at all.
Examples
- It's perfectly normal to feel anxious before a big event.
- Her reaction was perfectly normal under those circumstances.
perfectly normal
2/pˈɚfəktli nˈɔɹməl/
fixed phrase
Completely usual or expected
Something that is totally usual and not strange at all.
Examples
- It’s perfectly normal to feel tired after a long day.
- This reaction is perfectly normal for someone in your situation.