What does "perform" mean?
To do (something); to execute.
Perform
/pəˈfɔːm/ verb
verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To do (something); to execute.
- Grammar: perform is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: do, execute, ability to work, accompany.
- Useful contrasts: unexecuted contract, well worn refrain, abandoning.
- Usage evidence: You must perform all assignments in a timely manner.
How to use "perform"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "perform" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "perform" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "perform" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "perform" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "perform" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "do" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "perform", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To do (something); to execute. transitive
"The scientists performed several experiments."
- 2 carry out or perform an action wordnet
- 3 To exhibit an expected pattern of behavior; to function; to work. intransitive
"The new employee performs well."
- 4 give a performance (of something) wordnet
- 5 To exhibit an expected pattern of behavior; to function; to work.; Of a man, to be able to initiate or fulfill an act of sexual intercourse. intransitive, uncommon
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 perform a function wordnet
- 7 To act in a way set forth in a contract.; To act in accordance with (a contract); to fulfill one’s terms of (a contract). transitive
"Failure to perform a contract on time may constitute a breach of contract."
- 8 get (something) done wordnet
- 9 To act in a way set forth in a contract.; To fulfill contractually agreed-to terms. intransitive
"They entered into an agreement and now they are obliged to perform."
- 10 To do (something) in front of an audience, such as acting or music, often in order to entertain. ambitransitive
"She will perform in the play."
- 11 To behave theatrically so as to give the impression of (a quality, character trait, etc.); to feign. broadly, transitive
"The accused only performed remorse."
- 12 Of a social actor, to behave in certain ways.; To behave in accordance with, and thereby in turn shape, (a social notion or role). transitive
"perform masculinity"
- 13 Of a social actor, to behave in certain ways.; To behave in ways that carry meaning in social contexts. intransitive
"Individuals in societies perform all the time."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"You must perform all assignments in a timely manner."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "perform"?
Common synonyms include: do, execute, ability to work, accompany, accomplish, accomplish.
How do you use "perform" in a sentence?
You must perform all assignments in a timely manner.
How do you pronounce "perform"?
Pronounced /pəˈfɔːm/.
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.