perfective

[ per-fek-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to make perfect; conducive to perfection.
2. Grammar. noting an aspect of verbal inflection, as in Russian, that indicates completion of the action or state denoted by the verb.

noun

, Grammar.

1. the perfective aspect.
2. a form in the perfective.

perfective

/ pəˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. tending to perfect
2. grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages, including English, used to express that the action or event described by the verb is or was completed: I lived in London for ten years is perfective; I have lived in London for ten years is imperfective, since the implication is that I still live in London

Other Words From

• per·fective·ly adverb
• per·fective·ness per·fec·tiv·i·ty [pur-fek-, tiv, -i-tee], noun
• unper·fective adjective
• unper·fective·ly adverb
• unper·fective·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfective¹

From the Medieval Latin word perfectīvus, dating back to 1590–1600. See perfect, -ive

Example Sentences

They were held to contain perfective rites and appearances and the tradition of the sacred doctrines necessary to the perfection or accomplishment of the most splendid visions.

From Project Gutenberg

Man only, who does not co-operate with his holy spirit, and is unattentive to his presence, receives none of these advantages from it, which are perfective of his nature, and necessary to his well-being.

From Project Gutenberg

The perfective is the ordinary style of an honest narrative.

From Project Gutenberg

The perfective part, said Proclus, precedes initiation, as initiation precedes inspection.

From Project Gutenberg