perform

The word “perform” means to carry out an action or task. In plain terms, to do a task, put on a show, or work at a certain level.

“Perform” is pronounced puh-FAWM (/pɚˈfɔɹm/ in IPA).

Here is “perform” used in a sentence: “The surgeon performed the operation without complications.”

“Perform” is a verb.

The word “perform” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman performer, an alteration of Old French parfornir, "to complete, accomplish", from par- + fornir ("to furnish").

“Perform” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Perform” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to carry out an action or task.

Both mean to carry out an action, and they often overlap. 'Perform' is the everyday word for doing a task or duty, while 'execute' sounds more technical or formal and stresses completing something precisely, as with a plan or command. You perform surgery or a role; you execute an order or a program.

No. Performing on stage — singing, acting, playing music — is one common sense, but 'perform' more broadly means to carry out any action or task. A machine can perform a function, a student can perform well in an exam, and a doctor can perform an operation. Context shows whether an audience is involved.

You might perform a task at work, perform a safety check before driving, or perform your duties as a volunteer. A device can perform a calculation, and a team can perform well under pressure. In each case something is being carried out or accomplished, which is the core meaning of the verb.