The spelling of the word "compleat" is an example of archaic English. The word is an alternative spelling of "complete," which was commonly used in the 16th and 17th centuries. The spelling "compleat" includes the archaic spelling of the suffix "-ate" as "-eat" and the addition of the silent letter "a." This results in the IPA phonetic transcription of /kəmˈpliːt/ for "compleat," compared to /kəmˈpliːt/ for "complete." Nowadays, the spelling "complete" with the standardized English spelling is the norm.
Compleat is an adjective that describes someone or something as being exceptionally skilled, accomplished, and proficient in a particular field or undertaking. The term is derived from the Old English word "complet," meaning perfect or fully developed.
When referring to a person, being compleat suggests that they possess a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge, leaving no room for improvement or further learning in their field of expertise. It denotes a level of mastery where one has successfully attained a high degree of excellence and understanding.
In relation to an object or task, compleat signifies that it is executed or performed flawlessly, leaving nothing to be desired in terms of quality or execution. It suggests a state of fullness and perfection, where all necessary elements or aspects have been taken into account and incorporated seamlessly.
The term compleat can often be associated with individuals who have dedicated substantial time and effort to refine their abilities and have achieved a level of proficiency that sets them apart from others. It denotes the highest level of competency and mastery in a specific field, allowing the compleat person or thing to be regarded as exemplary or ideal within their respective domain.
The word compleat is a variant spelling of the word complete and its etymology can be traced back to Latin. The Latin word completus is the past participle of the verb complere, meaning to fill up, finish, or complete. It was formed by combining the prefix com- (meaning together or thoroughly) and the verb plere (meaning to fill). This Latin term was eventually adopted into English as complete in the 14th century, and the variant spelling compleat emerged in the 16th century, likely influenced by the phonetic spelling of other words ending in -eat (such as great and treat). However, compleat is less commonly used today, with most English speakers preferring the standard spelling complete.