First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
perform
verb per·form \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm\
: to do an action or activity that usually requires training or skill
: to entertain an audience by singing, acting, etc.
—used to describe how effective or successful someone or something is
Full Definition of PERFORM
transitive verb
1
: to adhere to the terms of : fulfill <perform a contract>
3
a : to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual b : to give a rendition of : present
intransitive verb
2
: to give a performance : play
— per·form·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— per·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective
— per·form·er \-ˈfȯr-mər\ noun
See perform defined for English-language learners
See perform defined for kids
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Origin of PERFORM
Middle English, from Anglo-French parfurmer, alteration of perforner, parfurnir, from par-, per- thoroughly (from Latin per-) + furnir to complete — more at furnish
Related to PERFORM
- Synonyms
- accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through (with), fulfill (or fulfil), make, negotiate, perpetrate, prosecute, pull off, put through, go through
Synonym Discussion of PERFORM
perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill <performed gymnastics>. execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent <executed the hit-and-run>. discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks <discharged his duties>. accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out <accomplished everything they set out to do>. achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties <achieve greatness>. effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles <effected sweeping reforms>. fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities <fulfilled their ambitions>.
Rhymes with PERFORM
art form, aswarm, barnstorm, brainstorm, by-form, by storm, conform, deform, Delorme, dust storm, firestorm, free-form, hailstorm, ice storm, inform, L-form, landform, life-form, line storm, lukewarm, planform, platform, preform, rainstorm, re-form, reform, sandstorm, slip form, snowstorm, transform, triform, waveform, windstorm
PERFORMS Defined for Kids
perform
verb per·form \pər-ˈfȯrm\
per·formedper·form·ing
Definition of PERFORM for Kids
1
: to carry out : do <Anyone can perform this task.>
2
: to do something needing special skill <The doctor had to perform surgery.>
3
: to give a public presentation for entertainment
— per·form·er noun
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