verb

perform

puh-FAWM

verb

To carry out an action or task.

"The surgeon performed the operation without complications."

"Please perform the necessary checks before starting the machine."

To present something, such as music, drama, or dance, in front of an audience.

"The orchestra will perform Beethoven's Fifth Symphony tonight."

To function or work, especially to a particular standard.

"The new engine performs well even in cold weather."

How to Use Perform

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do a task, put on a show, or work at a certain level.

Common pairings

perform well perform a task perform live

Word Forms

performed past tense, perform plural, performed plural, performs singular, perform singular, performed singular, performest singular, performedst singular, performeth singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The surgeon _____ the operation without complications.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman performer, an alteration of Old French parfornir, "to complete, accomplish", from par- + fornir ("to furnish").