# perform

Pronunciation: US say "pur-FORM" /pɚˈfɔɹm/; UK say "puh-FAWM" /pəˈfɔːm/

## Verb

1. To do or carry out a particular task, action, or piece of work.
   - Simple: To do or carry out a task or action.
   - _Surgeons perform delicate operations that can last many hours._
   - _The technician performed a full inspection of the machinery._
2. To present an act such as acting or music in front of an audience, often to entertain them.
   - Simple: To sing, dance, act, play music, or put on another kind of show for an audience.
   - _The orchestra will perform a new symphony on opening night._
   - _He performed a stand-up routine to a packed comedy club._
3. To function or work in a particular way, especially as judged by how well or badly something operates.
   - Simple: To work or do a job in a certain way, well or badly.
   - _The investment performed better than analysts had predicted._
   - _Older laptops still perform adequately for basic office tasks._
4. To do what a contract or agreement requires; to fulfill its terms.
   - Simple: To do what you agreed to do in a contract.
   - _The supplier failed to perform the contract within the agreed period._
   - _Each party performed its obligations under the lease._
5. To behave theatrically in order to give the impression of a feeling or trait you may not actually have; to feign.
   - Simple: To make a show of a feeling or quality that you may not really have.
   - _He performed outrage for the cameras while privately staying indifferent._
   - _Job candidates sometimes perform enthusiasm they do not really feel._
6. To act out a social role, identity, or idea through everyday behavior, in a way that carries meaning and helps shape it.
   - Simple: To express and help shape a social role, identity, or idea through how you act, dress, or speak.
   - _Individuals perform gender through everyday gestures, dress, and speech._
   - _She performed femininity in ways shaped by the culture around her._
7. Of a man, to be able to begin or complete an act of sexual intercourse.
   - Simple: Of a man, to be able to have sex successfully.
   - _Anxiety left him unable to perform on their wedding night._
   - _Certain medications can affect a man's ability to perform._

## Origin

From Middle English parformen, from Anglo-Norman performer, an alteration of Old French parfornir ("to complete, accomplish, perform"), formed from par- plus fornir ("to accomplish, furnish"). This traces back through Frankish and Proto-Germanic to a root meaning "to further, promote," and is cognate with Old English fremman. In modern times it is instead associated with Latin formō, read as per- plus form.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/perform (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).