perform

per·form

verb \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm\

Definition of PERFORM

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 : present

intransitive 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

Examples of PERFORM

1. The doctor had to perform surgery immediately.
2. The magician performed some amazing tricks.
3. The gymnasts performed their routines perfectly.
4. You are required to perform 50 hours of community service.
5. The band will be performing on the main stage.
6. She's a wonderful singer who loves to perform before a live audience.
7. The band will perform songs from their new album.
8. The class performed the play for the school.

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

First Known Use: 14th century

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

Related Words

bring about, effect, effectuate, implement; ace, nail; engage (in), practice (also practise); work (at); reduplicate, reenact, repeat; actualize, attain, realize; complete, end, finish, wind up

Near Antonyms

fail; skimp, slight, slur

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