C1verbwork
US/pərˈfekt/
UK/pəˈfekt/
to make something as good as possible by practicing or improving it over time
More often (adjective): as good as it could possibly be, with no faults
In context
The chef spent three years perfecting the recipe before opening her restaurant.
Engineers are still perfecting the battery so it charges in ten minutes.
He moved to London to perfect his English before applying for jobs.
Words that go with perfect
verb + noun
- perfect the techniqueSurgeons practice for years to perfect the technique.
- perfect the recipeIt took the bakery months to perfect the recipe for its mooncakes.
- perfect a skillOnline courses let you perfect a skill at your own pace.
- perfect the designThe team built twenty prototypes to perfect the design.
- perfect the art ofShe has perfected the art of saying no politely.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I want to perfect my English skill more perfect.Correct: I want to perfect my English.