perfectly-formed
|per-fec-tly-formed|
🇺🇸
/ˈpɝfɪkli fɔrmd/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɜːfɪktli fɔːmd/
completely correct shape
Etymology
'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'.
'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'.
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
