degrees of perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degrees of perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe varying levels or standards of excellence in a particular context. Example: "In art, there are degrees of perfection that can be achieved, depending on the artist's skill and vision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And if God had actualized more than one world and they had been of different degrees of perfection, then God would have brought into existence that which is less perfect than possible (a violation of the requirements of divine benevolence).

SEP

All things exhibit greater or lesser degrees of perfection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aquinas's fourth argument is that from degrees of perfection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many organisms possess the ability to regrow, or regenerate, with varying degrees of perfection, parts of the body that are lost or injured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The arguments by Aquinas known as the Five Ways the argument from motion, from efficient causation, from contingency, from degrees of perfection, and from final causes or ends in nature are generally regarded as cosmological.

Encyclopedia Britannica

William Shawn, the legendary editor of The New Yorker who originally hired me to work here way back in 1969, used to say that phrases like "more unique" and "more perfect" were meaningless, because "there are no degrees of uniqueness and no degrees of perfection".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

However, our result that spacer length is not correlated with the degree of perfection would also suggest that these mechanisms, if they are responsible for the enrichment of perfect IRs, are relatively insensitive to spacer length.

Current Genetics

The Englishman Charles White collected skulls that he arranged from lowest to highest degree of perfection.

The New York Times - Books

It also developed to a high degree of perfection the arts of textiles, ceramics, and metallurgy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two types of blading have been developed to a high degree of perfection: impulse blading and reaction blading.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You'll never get that degree of perfection again, with this kind of weather and light and atmosphere".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "degrees of perfection", consider the context. It's often applied in philosophical or technical discussions where nuanced levels of achievement are relevant. Avoid using it in casual contexts where simpler terms like "high quality" or "very good" suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "degrees of perfection" to describe ordinary situations. Saying something is 'almost a degree of perfection' is usually excessive. Instead, opt for more straightforward phrases like 'nearly perfect' or 'excellent'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degrees of perfection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an object or complement within a sentence. It denotes varying levels or standards of excellence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, which identifies its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degrees of perfection" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase, though Ludwig indicates it's best suited for specific contexts. It's particularly useful in academic, scientific, and philosophical discussions where nuanced levels of quality or attainment are being assessed. While technically correct, overusing it in everyday language can sound pretentious; simpler alternatives like "levels of excellence" or "stages of refinement" may be more appropriate. It's important to remember that while "perfect" traditionally implies an absolute state, the concept of "degrees of perfection" allows for a more nuanced evaluation of quality and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

levels of excellence

Emphasizes the standard of quality achieved rather than the completeness.

stages of refinement

Focuses on the process of improvement and the different points along the way.

grades of accomplishment

Highlights the level of achievement reached in a particular endeavor.

measures of quality

Shifts the focus to quantifiable aspects of how good something is.

degrees of flawlessness

Similar, but emphasizes the absence of defects rather than attainment of ideal.

extents of mastery

Indicates the depth of skill or knowledge acquired.

levels of expertise

Specifically refers to the degree of skill in a particular field.

steps toward ideal

Focuses on the progression towards a perfect state, rather than the state itself.

variations in precision

Highlights differences in accuracy or exactness.

nuances of perfection

Emphasizes the subtle differences within a state of high achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "degrees of perfection" in a sentence?

You can use "degrees of perfection" to describe varying levels of excellence or flawlessness in a particular context. For example: "The craftsmanship exhibited various "degrees of perfection", from rough to remarkably refined."

What are some alternatives to "degrees of perfection"?

Alternatives include "levels of excellence", "stages of refinement", or "measures of quality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "more perfect"?

While traditionally "perfect" was considered an absolute state, usage has evolved. Saying something is "more perfect" implies it approaches a higher "degrees of perfection", which is acceptable in modern usage, though some may still consider it technically incorrect.

In what contexts is "degrees of perfection" most appropriate?

"Degrees of perfection" is suitable for philosophical discussions, technical analyses, or contexts where you need to distinguish between subtle levels of quality or achievement. In everyday conversation, simpler terms are often preferable.