perform
puh-FAWM
Perform (verb) means to carry out an action or task. Example: “The surgeon performed the operation without complications.”
verb
1
To carry out an action or task.
"The surgeon performed the operation without complications."
"Please perform the necessary checks before starting the machine."
"Nurses perform simple tests on every patient before they see the doctor."
2
To present something, such as music, drama, or dance, in front of an audience.
"The orchestra will perform Beethoven's Fifth Symphony tonight."
"The school choir will perform at the town hall on Friday evening."
"She loves to perform on stage, even in front of a huge crowd."
3
To function or work, especially to a particular standard.
"The new engine performs well even in cold weather."
"Plants perform better when they get plenty of light and water."
"This old phone still performs well, although the battery is tired."
How to use perform
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do a task, put on a show, or work at a certain level.
Common pairings
perform well
perform a task
perform live
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- performs
- Past tense
- performed
- Archaic forms
- performest, performedst, performeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon _____ the operation without complications.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman performer, an alteration of Old French parfornir, "to complete, accomplish", from par- + fornir ("to furnish").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “perform” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “perform”?
“Perform” is pronounced puh-FAWM (/pɚˈfɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “perform” in a sentence?
Here is “perform” used in a sentence: “The surgeon performed the operation without complications.”
What part of speech is “perform”?
“Perform” is a verb.
Where does the word “perform” come from?
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").
Is “perform” a common word?
“Perform” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “perform” have?
“Perform” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to carry out an action or task.
What is the difference between perform and execute?
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.
Does 'perform' always mean to entertain on stage?
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.
What is an example of the word perform?
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.
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