imperfect
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1im·per·fect
adjective \(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt\Definition of IMPERFECT
1
: not perfect: as a : defective b of a flower : having stamens or pistils but not both c : lacking or not involving sexual reproduction <the imperfect stage of a fungus>
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action especially in the past
3
: not enforceable at law
— im·per·fect·ly \-fik(t)-lē\ adverb
— im·per·fect·ness \-fik(t)-nəs\ noun
See Examples of IMPERFECT
- It's an imperfect solution to a difficult problem.
- He had an imperfect understanding of the task.
- In “He was singing when I came in,” “was singing” is in the imperfect tense.
Origin of IMPERFECT
alteration of Middle English imparfit, from Latin imperfectus, from in- + perfectus perfect
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to IMPERFECT
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2imperfect
nounDefinition of IMPERFECT
: an imperfect tense; also : the verb form expressing it
First Known Use of IMPERFECT
1871
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
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Next Word in the Dictionary: imperfect cadence
Previous Word in the Dictionary: imperf
All Words Near: imperfect
Previous Word in the Dictionary: imperf
All Words Near: imperfect
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