perfectus
[pɛrˈfɛk.tʊs]
The English phrase 'perfect' can be translated into Latin as perfectus.
perfectus is used to describe something that is excellent and delightful in all respects.
Meaning: excellent and delightful in all respects (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word perfectus is derived from the verb perficere, meaning 'to finish' or 'to complete', implying that something is perfect because it is fully finished.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use perfecta for feminine nouns and perfectum for neuter nouns. The form perfecti can represent the masculine plural nominative, such as 'perfect men' or the masculine and neuter genitive singular, such as 'of a perfect man'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'factory' shares a distant ancestor with perfectus through the root of 'to do' or 'to make'.
- In legal or formal Latin texts, perfectus often refers to a contract or a law that has been fully executed and is now binding.
- In Latin grammar, the 'perfect' tense does not describe a flawless action, but rather one that is 'completed'. This reflects the original meaning of perfectus as something that has been finished.
Examples in context
- Nullus homo perfectus est.No man is perfect.This example shows how to use perfectus to state that no man is perfect.Tatoeba #2630911 by alexmarcelo, translation #6141691 by CarpeLanam
- Didymus perfectus non est.Tom isn't perfect.This example uses perfectus to say that Tom is not perfect.Tatoeba #4938285 by alexmarcelo, translation #2237001 by CK
- Nemo nostrum perfectus est.None of us is perfect.This example uses perfectus to state that none of us is perfect.Tatoeba #5037435 by alexmarcelo, translation #28773 by CK
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are looking at a piece of art.
- GaiusHaec pictura perfecta est.This painting is perfect.
- LuciaIta, colores optimi sunt.Yes, the colors are the best.
- GaiusLabor artificis erat perfectus.The artist's work was perfect.
- LuciaVere concordiam habet.It truly has harmony.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perfectus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perfectus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
