English Reference

Word

perform

Phoneticsper·form, stress on the second syllable

US/pɝˈfɔɹm/

UK/pəfˈɔːm/

Definitions

01to do a task

A2 · Elementary

v. to do a piece of work, a task, or a duty.

v. to carry out or execute an action, task, or function. Transitive — requires a direct object.

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

“The research team was required to perform a series of complex calculations to verify the structural integrity of the bridge design.”

Antonyms

02to entertain

A2 · Elementary Theater

v. to act, sing, or play music in front of an audience.

v. 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.

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

“The local theatre company plans to perform a modern adaptation of the classic tragedy during the summer festival.”

Synonyms

03to function

B1 · Intermediate

v. to work or operate in a specific way.

v. to function or operate according to a standard or expected pattern. Intransitive — often modified by an adverb of manner.

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

“Despite the extreme weather conditions, the solar panels continued to perform efficiently throughout the winter months.”

Antonyms

04to fulfill a contract

C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical

v. to do what you promised to do in a legal agreement.

v. to fulfill the obligations or requirements set forth in a legal contract or agreement.

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

“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.”

Antonyms

05to behave for show

C1 · Advanced Academic

v. to act in a certain way to give people a specific impression of you.

v. 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.

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

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

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “perform” in context.

01. actually perform 02. adequately perform 03. correctly perform 04. effectively perform 05. perform act 06. perform activity 07. perform analysis 08. perform by 09. perform on lower 10. perform overall 11. perform poor 12. perform poorer

Etymology

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.

Word family

VERB

perform(A2)

Domain

Law

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference