different between impeccable vs impeccably

English

Etymology

From Middle French impeccable, from Latin impeccabilis (“not liable to sin”), from im- (“not”) + peccare (“to err, to sin”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?p?k?b?l/

Adjective

impeccable (comparative more impeccable, superlative most impeccable)

1. Perfect, without faults, flaws or errors

   The only impeccable writers are those who never wrote. - William Hazlitt

   He grew up in Norway, but he writes impeccable English.

2. Incapable of wrongdoing or sin; immaculate

   It was easy for James V to imprison Lady Glamis, but actually convicting her was far more difficult; her character was impeccable and she was highly respected by all who knew her.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:flawless

Related terms

• peccable
• peccant

Translations

Further reading

• impeccable in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• impeccable in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• impeccable at OneLook Dictionary Search

French

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin impecc?bilis, from pecc?re (whence pécher).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??.p?.kabl/

Adjective

impeccable (plural impeccables)

1. perfect, faultless, impeccable

Further reading

• “impeccable” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Etymology

impeccable +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?m?p?k.?.bli/

Adverb

impeccably (comparative more impeccably, superlative most impeccably)

1. In a perfect or flawless manner.
   • 1995, David Dubal, Art of the Piano: Its performers, literature, and recordings, page 433

     The great pianist was a prolific composer, who wrote impeccably for the piano.

   • 1999, The Xenophobe's Guide to the French, page 17

     It is difficult to distinguish one bourgeois from another: the grande bourgeoisie are impeccably dressed at all times and don't speak to anyone outside their own class; the bonne bourgeoisie are impeccably dressed and speak to everyone; the petite bourgeoisie are impeccably dressed and speak only to complain […]

   • 2009, Susanna Zaraysky, Language Is Music, page 19

     In fact, even when I did make some small mistakes with grammar, people still said I spoke impeccably.

Synonyms

• (in a perfect manner): flawlessly, immaculately, perfectly

Related terms

• impeccability
• impeccable

Translations