unperfect

English

Etymology

Etymology tree

English un-

English perfect

English unperfect

From un- + perfect.

Pronunciation

• (adjective)
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ʌnˈpɜːfɪkt/, /ʌnˈpɜːfɛkt/
  • (General American) IPA^(key): /ʌnˈpɜɹfɪkt/, /ʌnˈpɜɹfɛkt/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (verb)
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ʌnpəˈfɛkt/
  • (General American) IPA^(key): /ʌnpəɹˈfɛkt/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

Adjective

unperfect (comparative more unperfect, superlative most unperfect)

1. imperfect
   • 1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 23”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC:

     As an unperfect actor on the stage,
     Who with his fear is put besides his part

   • a. 1587, Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “(please specify the folio)”, in [Fulke Greville; Matthew Gwinne; John Florio], editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London: […] [John Windet] for William Ponsonbie, published 1590, →OCLC:

     'But this,' said Musidorus, 'shows you more unperfect, to be cruel to him that submits himself unto you. But since you are unperfect,' said he, smiling, 'it is reason you be governed by us wise and perfect men.

Verb

unperfect (third-person singular simple present unperfects, present participle unperfecting, simple past and past participle unperfected)

1. (transitive) To mar or destroy the perfection of.