Imperfect vs. Perfect — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
Imperfect implies a state of flaw or incompletion, while perfect denotes completeness and flawlessness, embodying ideal standards.
Difference Between Imperfect and Perfect
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Imperfect often refers to something that has flaws or is incomplete, suggesting a state or condition that falls short of perfection. Whereas, perfect describes a condition, state, or manner that is free from any flaws or defects, embodying the highest standard of excellence.
In the context of grammar, the imperfect tense indicates a past action without specifying its completion, highlighting ongoing or repeated aspects, while the perfect tense, by contrast, denotes actions that have been completed at the time of speaking, emphasizing the completion aspect.
When discussing human abilities or achievements, to be imperfect is to acknowledge limitations and the potential for growth, whereas to be perfect is to reach a state where improvement seems unnecessary or impossible.
In the realm of aesthetics, imperfection can add character and uniqueness to an object, making it more interesting or relatable, while perfection is often associated with beauty, symmetry, and an ideal form that can be admired for its flawlessness.
In moral or ethical discussions, imperfection is understood as a natural human condition marked by mistakes and moral failures, while perfection is an idealized state of moral and ethical integrity that is often sought after but rarely attained.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Having flaws or errors; not complete.
Completely flawless; embodying the highest standards.
Grammar
Tense indicating ongoing or repeated past actions.
Tense denoting completed actions or states.
Human Nature
Acknowledges limitations and potential for growth.
Represents an ideal, often unattainable state of flawlessness.
Aesthetics
Adds character and uniqueness through flaws.
Admired for beauty, symmetry, and flawlessness.
Moral/Ethical
Natural condition of making mistakes and learning.
Idealized state of integrity and ethical perfection.
Compare with Definitions
Imperfect
Can add uniqueness through flaws.
The imperfect vase was more appealing for its uniqueness.
Perfect
Indicates completed actions or states.
They have finished the project (perfect tense).
Imperfect
Refers to a tense indicating actions not completed.
He was reading a book (imperfect tense).
Perfect
Free from any flaws or defects; ideal.
She aimed for a perfect score on her exam.
Imperfect
Acknowledges human limitations.
Her imperfect attempt at the recipe showed her determination to learn.
Perfect
Associated with ideal beauty and symmetry.
The artist sought the perfect balance of light and shadow in her painting.
Imperfect
Having flaws or not being complete.
The sculpture was beautiful, despite its imperfect finish.
Perfect
Often seen as an unattainable ideal.
In his quest for perfection, he often forgot to enjoy the process.
Imperfect
Involves acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
His acknowledgment of his imperfect nature led to personal growth.
Perfect
Represents an ideal state of moral integrity.
She strove for perfection in all her ethical dealings.
Imperfect
The imperfect (abbreviated IMPERF) is a verb form that combines past tense (reference to a past time) and imperfective aspect (reference to a continuing or repeated event or state). It can have meanings similar to the English "was walking" or "used to walk." It contrasts with preterite forms, which refer to a single completed event in the past.
Perfect
Lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or kind.
Imperfect
Not perfect.
Perfect
Being without defect or blemish
A perfect specimen.
Imperfect
(Grammar) Of or being the tense of a verb that shows, usually in the past, an action or a condition as incomplete, continuous, or coincident with another action.
Perfect
Thoroughly skilled or talented in a certain field or area; proficient.
Imperfect
A piece of merchandise having a minor flaw that does not impair its use, usually sold at a discount.
Perfect
Completely suited for a particular purpose or situation
She was the perfect actress for the part.
Imperfect
The imperfect tense.
Perfect
Completely corresponding to a description, standard, or type
A perfect circle.
A perfect gentleman.
Imperfect
A verb in the imperfect tense.
Perfect
Accurately reproducing an original
A perfect copy of the painting.
Imperfect
Not perfect
Perfect
Complete; thorough; utter
A perfect fool.
Imperfect
(taxonomy) known or expected to be polyphyletic, as of a form taxon.
Perfect
Pure; undiluted; unmixed
Perfect red.
Imperfect
(obsolete) lacking some elementary organ that is essential to successful or normal activity.
Perfect
Excellent and delightful in all respects
A perfect day.
Imperfect
(grammar) belonging to a tense of verbs used in describing a past action that is incomplete or continuous
Perfect
(Botany) Having both stamens and pistils in the same flower; monoclinous.
Imperfect
Something having a minor flaw
Perfect
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or constituting a verb form expressing action completed prior to a fixed point of reference in time.
Imperfect
(grammar) a tense of verbs used in describing a past action that is incomplete or continuous
Perfect
(Music) Designating the three basic intervals of the octave, fourth, and fifth.
Imperfect
(transitive) to make imperfect
Perfect
(Grammar) The aspect of a verb that expresses action completed prior to a fixed point of reference in time.
Imperfect
Not perfect; not complete in all its parts; wanting a part; deective; deficient.
Something he left imperfect in the state.
Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect.
Perfect
A verb or verb form having this aspect.
Imperfect
Wanting in some elementary organ that is essential to successful or normal activity.
He . . . stammered like a child, or an amazed, imperfect person.
Perfect
To bring to perfection or completion
Perfected the technique to isolate the virus.
Imperfect
Not fulfilling its design; not realizing an ideal; not conformed to a standard or rule; not satisfying the taste or conscience; esthetically or morally defective.
Nothing imperfect or deficient leftOf all that he created.
Then say not man's imperfect, Heaven in fault;Say rather, man's as perfect as he ought.
Perfect
Fitting its definition precisely.
A perfect circle
Imperfect
The imperfect tense; or the form of a verb denoting the imperfect tense.
Perfect
Having all of its parts in harmony with a common purpose.
That bucket with the hole in the bottom is a poor bucket, but it is perfect for watering plants.
Imperfect
To make imperfect.
Perfect
Without fault or mistake; thoroughly skilled or talented.
Practice makes perfect.
Imperfect
A tense of verbs used in describing action that is on-going
Perfect
Excellent and delightful in all respects.
A perfect day
Imperfect
Not perfect; defective or inadequate;
Had only an imperfect understanding of his responsibilities
Imperfect mortals
Drainage here is imperfect
Perfect
(mathematics) Of a number: equal to the sum of its proper divisors.
6 is perfect because the sum of its proper divisors, 1, 2, and 3, which is 6, is equal to the number itself.
Imperfect
Having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings;
I'm only human
Frail humanity
Perfect
Representing a completed action.
Perfect
(botany) Of flowers, having both male parts (stamens) and female parts (carpels).
Perfect
(analysis) Of a set: equal to its set of limit points, i.e. set A is perfect if A=A
Perfect
(music) Describing an interval or any compound interval of a unison, octave, or fourths and fifths that are not tritones.
Perfect
(of a cocktail) Made with equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth.
A perfect Manhattan; a perfect Rob Roy
Perfect
(obsolete) Well informed; certain; sure.
Perfect
(obsolete) Innocent, guiltless.
Perfect
(grammar) The perfect tense, or a form in that tense.
Perfect
(video games) A perfect score; the achievement of finishing a stage or task with no mistakes.
Perfect
A leader of the Cathar movement.
Perfect
(transitive) To make perfect; to improve or hone.
I am going to perfect this article.
You spend too much time trying to perfect your dancing.
Perfect
(legal) To take an action, usually the filing of a document in the correct venue, that secures a legal right.
Perfect an appeal; perfect an interest; perfect a judgment
Perfect
Brought to consummation or completeness; completed; not defective nor redundant; having all the properties or qualities requisite to its nature and kind; without flaw, fault, or blemish; without error; mature; whole; pure; sound; right; correct.
My strength is made perfect in weakness.
Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun.
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.
O most entire perfect sacrifice!
God made thee perfect, not immutable.
Perfect
Well informed; certain; sure.
I am perfect that the Pannonains are now in arms.
Perfect
Hermaphrodite; having both stamens and pistils; - said of flower.
Perfect
The perfect tense, or a form in that tense.
Perfect
To make perfect; to finish or complete, so as to leave nothing wanting; to give to anything all that is requisite to its nature and kind.
God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfect in us.
Inquire into the nature and properties of the things, . . . and thereby perfect our ideas of their distinct species.
Perfect
A tense of verbs used in describing action that has been completed (sometimes regarded as perfective aspect)
Perfect
Make perfect or complete;
Perfect your French in Paris!
Perfect
Being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish;
A perfect circle
A perfect reproduction
Perfect happiness
Perfect manners
A perfect specimen
A perfect day
Perfect
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
Perfect
Precisely accurate or exact;
Perfect timing
Common Curiosities
Is it possible for a human to be perfect?
While perfection is often seen as an ideal, it is generally considered unattainable due to human nature's inherent limitations and flaws.
What defines something as imperfect?
Imperfect refers to anything that has flaws or is incomplete.
How does the perfect tense differ from the imperfect in grammar?
The perfect tense denotes completed actions, while the imperfect tense indicates ongoing or repeated past actions.
Can something be perfectly imperfect?
Yes, the term "perfectly imperfect" highlights the beauty or charm in flaws, embracing imperfection as valuable.
Can imperfection have positive aspects?
Yes, imperfections can add character and uniqueness, making something more interesting or relatable.
How do imperfections affect aesthetics?
Imperfections can enhance the beauty or interest of an object by adding uniqueness and character.
Are there any philosophies that embrace imperfection?
Many philosophies, including Wabi-sabi in Japanese culture, embrace imperfection as an inherent and beautiful aspect of life.
Does striving for perfection have any drawbacks?
Striving for perfection can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, and missed opportunities for growth through failure.
What role does perfection play in moral or ethical discussions?
Perfection is often viewed as an idealized state of moral and ethical integrity, representing the highest standards of conduct.
How does society view perfection?
Society often idealizes perfection as a goal, but also recognizes its practical unattainability and the beauty of imperfection.
Can perfection be subjective?
Yes, what is considered perfect can vary greatly among individuals and cultures, indicating that perfection is often subjective.
How does technology aim for perfection?
Technology aims for perfection through continuous improvement, innovation, and the elimination of errors in design and functionality.
What is the significance of the imperfect tense in storytelling?
The imperfect tense adds depth to storytelling by allowing for the depiction of ongoing actions and backgrounds, enhancing the narrative.
What impact does the pursuit of perfection have on creativity?
The pursuit of perfection can sometimes stifle creativity by limiting experimentation and the acceptance of creative risks.
How does one cope with imperfection?
Coping with imperfection involves acceptance, learning from mistakes, and understanding that flaws are part of the human experience.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
