perfectly
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɜːfɛktlˌi/
US
- /ˈpɜrfəkli/
- /ˈpɜrfəktli/
Description
- Completely
- Exactly right
- Very well
- Fully
- In the best way
"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.
"Perfectly" is an adverb that means in the best possible way, exactly as needed, or completely. It often strengthens what follows, showing that something was done very well, matched a situation exactly, or was fully true.
For example, "The spy blended perfectly into the crowd" suggests that no one noticed anything unusual about him. "She understood the complex instructions perfectly" means she understood every part clearly. In both cases, the word adds a sense of complete success, not just something being fairly good.
"Perfectly" can also describe a state or condition. If you say "the weather was perfectly calm," you mean it was fully calm, with no wind at all. If a shirt "fits perfectly," it fits exactly right. If something is "perfectly safe" or "perfectly normal," the word means completely or entirely.
Beyond actions and conditions, "perfectly" is often used with adjectives to make a statement stronger. A "perfectly reasonable" idea is one that seems fully sensible. If a time or plan "suits me perfectly," it matches what I want very well. In these uses, the word does not always suggest something ideal in a grand sense; often it simply means exactly right for the situation.
The main idea behind "perfectly" is a mix of exactness, completeness, and strong approval. Sometimes it means without mistakes, sometimes it means completely, and sometimes it means in a way that fits just right. Whether it describes a performance, an understanding, a feeling, or a condition, it gives the sense that nothing important is missing or wrong.
Examples
- 1
Clothing fit
The shirt fits perfectly.
- 2
Understanding
She understood the instructions perfectly.
- 3
Timing
The timing worked out perfectly.
- 4
Emotional reassurance
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous before an interview.
- 5
Legal status
The plan sounds risky, but it's perfectly legal.
- 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
Independence
She's perfectly capable of making her own decision.
Pattern
perfectly capable of + -ing
able to do it without help
- 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