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perfectly

A2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˈɜːfɛktlˌi/

US

  • /ˈpɜrfəkli/
  • /ˈpɜrfəktli/

Description

"Perfectly" usually describes something done in the best possible way or exactly as it should be. A perfectly baked cake is golden brown, soft, and just right. It can also stress that something is complete or fully true, as when someone understands instructions perfectly. You might say a musician played a piece perfectly, meaning they played every note the right way, or that a plan worked out perfectly, meaning everything happened as hoped. It is also common in everyday phrases like "perfectly fine" or "perfectly normal," where it means completely or entirely.

Examples

  1. 1

    Clothing fit

    The shirt fits perfectly.

  2. 2

    Understanding

    She understood the instructions perfectly.

  3. 3

    Timing

    The timing worked out perfectly.

  4. 4

    Emotional reassurance

    It's perfectly normal to feel nervous before an interview.

  5. 5

    Legal status

    The plan sounds risky, but it's perfectly legal.

  6. 6

    Unnecessary replacement

    We had a perfectly good table, so there was no need to buy a new one.

    • Phrase

      perfectly good

      good enough; not needing to be replaced

  7. 7

    Independence

    She's perfectly capable of making her own decision.

    • Pattern

      perfectly capable of + -ing

      able to do it without help

  8. 8

    Honest opinion

    To be perfectly honest, I didn't enjoy the movie.

    • Phrase

      to be perfectly honest

      used before saying what you really think

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • perfectlyadverb