Main Entry: per·form

Pronunciation: \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French parfurmer, alteration of perforner, parfurnir, from par-, per- thoroughly (from Latin per-) + furnir to complete — more at furnish

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to adhere to the terms of : fulfill <perform a contract>
2 : carry out, do
3 a : to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual b : to give a rendition of : presentintransitive verb 1 : to carry out an action or pattern of behavior : act, function
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

synonyms 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>.