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REFERENCE

perform

v.
US //pɝˈfɔɹm// UK //pəfˈɔːm// per·form
  1. 1 to do a task (v.)
    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.

    Example

    The doctors need to perform a few more tests before you can go home.

    Example

    The research team was required to perform a series of complex calculations to verify the structural integrity of the bridge design.
  2. 2 to entertain (v.)
    A2 Elementary Theatre

    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.

    Example

    The school choir will perform three songs at the holiday concert.

    Example

    The local theatre company plans to perform a modern adaptation of the classic tragedy during the summer festival.
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  1. 3 to function (v.)
    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.

    Example

    The new car performs very well on long trips and uses less fuel.

    Example

    Despite the extreme weather conditions, the solar panels continued to perform efficiently throughout the winter months.
  2. 4 to fulfill a contract (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    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.

    Example

    The company failed to perform its duties as listed in the contract.

    Example

    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.
  3. 5 to behave for show (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    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.

    Example

    He felt he had to perform a tough persona to fit in with the group.

    Example

    Sociologists argue that individuals often perform specific social roles to meet the expectations of their professional environment.
Origin

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.

Word family

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