Preterite vs. Imperfect — What's the Difference?

The preterite or preterit (; abbreviated PRET or PRT) is a grammatical tense or verb form serving to denote events that took place or were completed in the past. In general, it combines the perfective aspect (event viewed as a single whole; it is not to be confused with the similarly named perfect) with the past tense, and may thus also be termed the perfective past.

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.

Of, relating to, or being the verb tense that describes a past action or state.

Not perfect.

The verb form expressing or describing a past action or condition.

(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.

A verb in the preterite form.

(Botany) Having either stamens or a pistil only. Used of a flower.

Showing an action at a determined moment in the past.

Not reproducing sexually. Used of fungi.

Belonging wholly to the past; passed by.

(Law) Potentially unenforceable; limited or defective

(grammar) A grammatical tense or verb form serving to denote events that took place or were completed in the past.

A piece of merchandise having a minor flaw that does not impair its use, usually sold at a discount.

Same as Preterit.

The imperfect tense.

A term formerly used to refer to the simple past tense

A verb in the imperfect tense.

Not perfect

(botany) unisexual: having either male (with stamens) or female (with pistil) flowers, but not with both.

(taxonomy) known or expected to be polyphyletic, as of a form taxon.

(obsolete) lacking some elementary organ that is essential to successful or normal activity.

(grammar) belonging to a tense of verbs used in describing a past action that is incomplete or continuous

Something having a minor flaw

(grammar) a tense of verbs used in describing a past action that is incomplete or continuous

(transitive) to make imperfect

Not perfect; not complete in all its parts; wanting a part; deective; deficient.

Wanting in some elementary organ that is essential to successful or normal activity.

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.

The imperfect tense; or the form of a verb denoting the imperfect tense.

To make imperfect.

A tense of verbs used in describing action that is on-going

Not perfect; defective or inadequate;

Having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings;