perform
- 01 A2 Elementary
to do a piece of work, a task, or a duty.
to carry out or execute an action, task, or function. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The doctors need to perform a few more tests before you can go home.”
In context“The research team was required to perform a series of complex calculations to verify the structural integrity of the bridge design.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
to act, sing, or play music in front of an audience.
to present a form of entertainment, such as a play or concert, to an audience. Ambitransitive — can be used with or without a direct object.
Simple“The school choir will perform three songs at the holiday concert.”
In context“The local theatre company plans to perform a modern adaptation of the classic tragedy during the summer festival.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
to work or operate in a specific way.
to function or operate according to a standard or expected pattern. Intransitive — often modified by an adverb of manner.
Simple“The new car performs very well on long trips and uses less fuel.”
In context“Despite the extreme weather conditions, the solar panels continued to perform efficiently throughout the winter months.”
Antonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
to do what you promised to do in a legal agreement.
to fulfill the obligations or requirements set forth in a legal contract or agreement.
Simple“The company failed to perform its duties as listed in the contract.”
In context“The court ruled that the defendant had failed to perform the specific services outlined in the service-level agreement, leading to a breach of contract.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
to act in a certain way to give people a specific impression of you.
to behave in a theatrical or deliberate manner to project a specific identity or trait. Often used in social science contexts regarding gender or social roles.
Simple“He felt he had to perform a tough persona to fit in with the group.”
In context“Sociologists argue that individuals often perform specific social roles to meet the expectations of their professional environment.”
Usage performed better · performed well · actually perform
From Middle English parformen, performen (“to perform”), from Anglo-Norman performer, parfourmer, alteration of Old French parfornir, parfurnir (“to complete, accomplish, perform”), from par- + fornir, furnir (“to accomplish, furnish”), from Frankish frummjan (“to accomplish, furnish”), from Proto-Germanic frumjaną, framjaną (“to further, promote”), from Proto-Indo-European promo- (“in front, forth”), per- (“forward, out”). Cognate with Old High German frummen (“to do, execute, accomplish, provide”), Old Saxon frummian (“to perform, promote”), Old English fremman (“to perform, execute, carry out, accomplish”). See also frame, from. Modernly, rather than Proto-Germanic frumjaną, associated with Latin formō, analyzable as per- + form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.