Words / A2

PURF-iktl-ee/ˈpɜːfɪktli/

Perfectly means in a perfect way, or completely: fit perfectly, perfectly clear, perfectly normal. Perfect is the adjective. Completely is a cousin in the “totally” sense. Well is weaker. Do not write perfectly when you mean prefect (a school role), or perfectly as if it were the adjective perfect.

Meaning

In a perfect way; also completely (perfectly clear).

Examples

• “The instructions were perfectly clear.”
• “The spare key fits the lock perfectly.”
• “It is perfectly safe to drink the tap water here.”

Good to know

fit perfectly / perfectly clear. Adjective: perfect. Mix-up: prefect (school).

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