Hi,
A quick one to create a bit of casual thinking on a Sunday before listmom pops in ...
The dictionary tells us that the English word "perfect" comes from the Latin prefix per, meaning "throughout," "thoroughly," or "completely," plus the verb facere, meaning "to do or make."
So, something that is "perfect" is something that is 'completely made or finished, not lacking in essential parts, not defective.' It is also something that 'meets all requirements and measures up to the standards of excellence set.'
The question, then, is: Who decides what is essential, and who sets the requirements and standards of excellence? In the case of a shirt, it is the manufacturer, the maker, who has certain requirements and standards. When these are met, the shirt is "perfect." Of course, if the shirt is a sports shirt and the buyer wants a dress shirt, then, from his viewpoint, the shirt is not "perfect" for his use, the purpose that he has in mind.
Really, then, the person objecting to the use of the word "perfect" regarding a shirt or similar thing is simply going by his personal "ideal." An "ideal" is one's own idea or concept of excellence or perfection, what one thinks a thing should be. But ideals differ from person to person, do they not? What would you say is the "perfect" height for a man, the "perfect" shape for a woman's face, or even the "perfect" flavor for an apple pie? Your answer would, of course, represent only your own preference, your ideal.
So maybe even if a photo is just good enough to meet the requirements, then it is perfect for the job. However, it may not be perfect for another job, because it may not reach those higher standards.
Even so, this may not be a perfect answer, and doesn't alter the fact that undoubtedly standards have dropped - and not just in photos!
Cheers, David
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