perfect square: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Intermediate (B1-B2)Formal to Neutral; common in academic (mathematics), technical, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “perfect square” mean?
A number that is the square of an integer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A number that is the square of an integer; a number that can be expressed as the product of an integer multiplied by itself.
In geometry, a shape with four equal sides and four right angles; metaphorically, something that is ideal, complete, or without flaw in its category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The metaphorical use ('a perfect square of a man') is slightly more common in British literary descriptions.
Connotations
Mathematical sense is neutral. Metaphorical use carries positive connotations of completeness, regularity, and ideal form.
Frequency
Mathematical sense is frequent in both varieties. Metaphorical use is less common and somewhat literary.
Grammar
How to Use “perfect square” in a Sentence
[Number] + be + a perfect squareThe perfect square of [number][Subject] + form + a perfect squareVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “perfect square” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Twenty-five is a perfect square.
- The garden was laid out in a perfect square.
- He was considered a perfect square by his more unconventional friends.
American English
- 49 is the next perfect square after 36.
- The town plaza is a perfect square.
- His old-fashioned manners made him a real perfect square.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in analytics: 'Growth rates that are perfect squares suggest clean, predictable scaling.'
Academic
Core in mathematics education and number theory. 'The student identified all perfect squares up to 100.'
Everyday
Common in homework contexts or when discussing tidy results. '16 is a perfect square, so the tiles fit exactly.'
Technical
Precise use in mathematics, computing, and engineering. 'The algorithm checks if the result is a perfect square.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “perfect square”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “perfect square”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “perfect square”
- Confusing 'perfect square' (number) with 'perfect square' (shape). Using 'square perfect'. Mispronouncing 'square' as /skwɑːr/ in British English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, because 1 = 1². It is the first perfect square.
Yes, but it's informal and often dated, meaning someone very conventional or boringly respectable.
In geometry, they are synonymous. 'Perfect' emphasizes the exactness and equality of sides and angles.
Yes, especially in contexts like 'perfect square trinomial' (e.g., x² + 6x + 9, which factors to (x+3)²).
A number that is the square of an integer.
Perfect square is usually formal to neutral; common in academic (mathematics), technical, and everyday contexts. in register.
Perfect square: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɜːfɪkt ˈskweə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɜːrfɪkt ˈskwer/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Square peg in a round hole (contrasting concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PERFECTly equal sides' – just as a square shape has equal sides, a perfect square number comes from a whole number multiplied by itself perfectly.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETENESS IS SQUARENESS; IDEAL FORM IS REGULAR GEOMETRY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a property of a 'perfect square' in mathematics?