performance
puh-FAW-muhns
Performance (noun) means a live show, such as music, theatre, or dance, presented to an audience. Example: “The band gave an unforgettable performance at the festival.”
noun
1
A live show, such as music, theatre, or dance, presented to an audience.
"The band gave an unforgettable performance at the festival."
"The school's performance of the play lasted nearly two hours."
"Tickets for tomorrow's performance at the theatre sold out within hours."
2
How well someone or something functions or achieves a result.
"The company's financial performance improved this year."
"His performance in the exam surprised everyone."
"This laptop's performance drops when too many programs are running at once."
How to use performance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a live artistic show, or a measure of how well something or someone does.
Common pairings
live performance
poor performance
performance review
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Word forms
- Plural
- performances
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The band gave an unforgettable _____ at the festival.
Etymology
From Middle English parfourmaunce, formed from "perform" plus the suffix "-ance".
Synonyms
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show
production
presentation
act
recital
gig
staging
operation
execution
functioning
carrying out
public presentation
Related words
Rhymes for performance
See all rhymes for performance →Frequently asked questions
What does “performance” mean?
The word “performance” means a live show, such as music, theatre, or dance, presented to an audience. In plain terms, either a live artistic show, or a measure of how well something or someone does.
How do you pronounce “performance”?
“Performance” is pronounced puh-FAW-muhns ([pɚˈfoɹ.məns] in IPA).
How do you use “performance” in a sentence?
Here is “performance” used in a sentence: “The band gave an unforgettable performance at the festival.”
What part of speech is “performance”?
“Performance” is a noun.
Where does the word “performance” come from?
The word “performance” comes from Middle English. From Middle English parfourmaunce, formed from "perform" plus the suffix "-ance".
Is “performance” a common word?
“Performance” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “performance” have?
“Performance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a live show, such as music, theatre, or dance, presented to an audience.
What is the difference between a performance and a rehearsal?
A performance is the live show presented to an audience — the real, finished event. A rehearsal is the private practice beforehand, where performers prepare, refine, and correct mistakes without spectators. The rehearsal builds toward the performance; the performance is the moment everything is delivered for real, in front of people.
What are the types of performance?
Performances span many art forms. Musical performances include concerts, recitals, and gigs; theatrical ones include plays and musicals; and there are dance performances, opera, comedy sets, and circus acts. A performance can be solo or involve a large cast, and may be staged live or streamed to a remote audience.
What is an example of a performance?
A band playing a live concert is a performance, as is a theatre company staging a play or a ballet troupe dancing on stage. Even a single musician giving a piano recital counts. The common thread is a live act presented to an audience, whether large or small.
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