Pronouncing the perfect in "practice makes perfect"

[weenid2003]

Is the perfect in "practice makes perfect" an adjective or a verb ?

If perfect is an adjective, then it should be pronounced as "PERfect", but if it is a verb then it should be pronounced as "perFECT".

So, how should I pronounce perfect in "practice makes perfect", as an adjective sound or a verb sound ?

[2006]

Is the perfect in "practice makes perfect" an adjective or a verb ? Welcome! What do you think it is?

If perfect is an adjective, then it should be pronounced as "PERfect", but if it is a verb then it should be pronounced as "perFECT".

So, how should I pronounce perfect in "practice makes perfect", as an adjective sound or a verb sound ?

2006

[PROESL]

Is the perfect in "practice makes perfect" an adjective or a verb ?

If perfect is an adjective, then it should be pronounced as "PERfect", but if it is a verb then it should be pronounced as "perFECT".

So, how should I pronounce perfect in "practice makes perfect", as an adjective sound or a verb sound ?

It's an adjective. Give stress to the first syllable.

[weenid2003]

Beats me.

I think "perfect" is used an adjective in that idiom. But I am not sure.

I tried to substitute another adjective like "beautiful" into the idiom to check, but it doesn't sound gramatically correct or smooth. On the other hand if used as a verb - action word - , perfect also sounds kinda wrong.

Any other expert can throw light on this simple question, please help.

Please also don't toy with my sincere question by giving a non answer like the "2006" guy/gal above.

Thanks.

[BobK]

Beats me.

I think "perfect" is used an adjective in that idiom. But I am not sure.

I tried to substitute another adjective like "beautiful" into the idiom to check, but it doesn't sound gramatically correct or smooth. On the other hand if used as a verb - action word - , perfect also sounds kinda wrong.

Any other expert can throw light on this simple question, please help.

Please also don't toy with my sincere question by giving a non answer like the "2006" guy/gal above.

Thanks.

He wasn't toying with anything; he was being a teacher. Proesl has told you the answer. Some teachers instruct, and others invite the student to think. Often, teaching involves both.

Incidentally, you might want to think about rhythm, alliteration, and consonance (/p/ /k/ /t/).

b

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