Langimage
English

perfectly-formed

|per-fec-tly-formed|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈpɝfɪkli fɔrmd/

🇬🇧

/ˈpɜːfɪktli fɔːmd/

completely correct shape

Etymology
Etymology Information

'perfectly-formed' is a compound of 'perfectly' and 'formed'. 'perfectly' ultimately originates from Latin 'perfectus', where 'per-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'facere' (via the past participle 'fectus') meant 'to make/do'. 'formed' derives from Latin 'formare', from 'forma' meaning 'shape'.

Historical Evolution

'perfect' passed into English from Latin 'perfectus' via Old French (cf. 'parfait') and Middle English; the adverbial suffix '-ly' comes from Old English/Old Germanic elements ('-lic' > '-ly') to form 'perfectly'. 'form' comes from Latin 'forma' through Old French 'forme' into Middle English, with 'formed' as the past participle of the verb 'formare'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, the roots meant 'thoroughly made' (perfectus) and 'shape' (forma). Over time the combined phrase came to denote 'having an ideal or flawless shape' rather than merely 'made completely'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

having an ideal or flawless shape; formed exactly as intended, without defects.

The sculpture was perfectly-formed, every curve balanced and precise.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/08/25 15:09