What does perform mean?
Perform is a widely used verb meaning to carry out an action or complete a task, such as performing a procedure, an inspection, or a test. It also means to present music, drama, dance, or another form of artistic entertainment. In a third sense, it refers to acting in a role, as when someone performs Hamlet or performs as a particular character. The word is common in formal, professional, and technical contexts, where it suggests carrying out a defined function accurately and completely. It can also describe a person acting in a staged or recorded production. Although perform often implies skill or proper execution, it is broadly neutral: the quality of the result depends on the context. The word derives from an Old French form based on Latin elements meaning “through” and “to form,” reflecting an older sense of bringing something into completion. Its range from practical duties to artistic presentation makes it useful across many subjects.
verbTo carry out or complete an action, task, or function. It can also mean to present a performance, such as a musical work, play, or other entertainment.
- Carry out or complete an action, task, function, or duty.
- Present a musical, dramatic, artistic, or other performance.
- Act in a particular role or capacity, especially in a theatrical or staged production.
"The team performed the procedure with remarkable precision."
"The engineers performed a series of safety checks before the launch."
"She performed a piano concerto to an enthusiastic audience."
From Latin roots meaning “through” and “to form,” perform originally conveyed the idea of bringing something into completion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of perform
The English word entered through Old French performer, a verb derived from Latin components meaning “through” or “intensive” and “to form.” Its early English uses referred to completing or accomplishing an action. The word later developed the additional sense of presenting an artistic work, in which context a performer is a person who presents music, drama, or another performance.
Related word forms
How perform is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is especially common in professional, institutional, and technical contexts, as in “perform surgery” or “perform an audit.” In artistic contexts, it usually implies presenting a work to an audience.
Easily confused with perform
Perform means to carry out or present an activity, while preform means to shape or form something in advance.