Perform — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /pər-ˈfȯrm/ per·form

Meaning & Definition of Perform

Perform (verb)

  1. to adhere to the terms of, fulfill
  2. carry out, do
  3. to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual

Perform (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to carry through (as a process) to completion

    "she performed the task quickly and expertly"

    similar: accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through (with), fulfill, make, negotiate, perpetrate, prosecute, pull off, put through, go through
    related: bring about, effect, effectuate, implement, ace, nail, engage (in), practice, work (at), reduplicate, reenact, repeat, actualize, attain, realize, complete, end, finish, wind up
    near: fail, skimp, slight, slur

  2. to have a certain purpose

    "the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood"

    similar: act, function, serve, work
    related: operate, run, administer, carry on, control, direct, guide, handle, manage, oversee, regulate, supervise

  3. to present a portrayal or performance of

    "has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage"

    similar: act, do, impersonate, interpret, play, portray
    related: depict, dramatize, render, represent, act out, enact, pantomime, playact, role-play, take on, overact, overplay, underplay, ape, clown, ham, imitate, masquerade, mime, mimic, pose (as), star (in), coact, costar

  4. to produce a desired effect

    "the new medication performed surprisingly well"

    similar: act, operate, take, work, take effect, take hold
    related: behave, react, respond, affect, influence, sway, pan out, redound, result
    near: backfire, fizzle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Perform

The most common words with a similar meaning to Perform:

accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through (with), fulfill, make, negotiate, perpetrate, prosecute, pull off, put through, act, function, serve, work, impersonate, interpret, play, portray, operate, take, go through, take effect, take hold

Related Words for Perform

bring about, effect, effectuate, implement, ace, nail, engage (in), practice, work (at), reduplicate, reenact, repeat, actualize, attain, realize, complete, end, finish, wind up, run, administer, carry on, control, direct, guide, handle, manage, oversee, regulate, supervise

Near Antonyms of Perform

fail, skimp, slight, slur, backfire, fizzle

Word Forms of Perform

Inflections: performed, performing, performs

Derived words: performability (noun), performable (adjective), performer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Perform

Middle English parformen, parfournen, perfourmen, performen "to complete, perfect, accomplish, carry out (a duty, plan), construct," borrowed from Anglo-French parfourner, parfurnir, performer, parfourmir "to carry out, execute, complete" (continental Old French parfornir), from par-, per- per- + fornir, furnir "to supply, provide, furnish"; forms with -m- probably by association with former, formir "to form:2"

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Perform

Words & Phrases Containing Perform

perform miracles

Frequently Asked Questions about Perform

What does "Perform" mean?

"Perform" means to adhere to the terms of, fulfill. As a verb, it is defined as: to adhere to the terms of, fulfill. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Perform"?

Other words for "Perform" include accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass and do. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Perform" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Perform"?

There are 93 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Perform". Common alternatives include accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute and follow through (with).

How do you use "Perform" in a sentence?

Examples of "Perform" in a sentence: "she performed the task quickly and expertly"; "the kidneys perform as a filtering system for the blood"; "has always dreamed of performing Hamlet on stage".

Is "Perform" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Perform" is a verb.

Is "Perform" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Perform" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Perform"?

"Perform" is pronounced /pər-ˈfȯrm/ and divided into syllables as per·form.

What is the origin of the word "Perform"?

"Perform" comes from Middle English parformen, parfournen, perfourmen, performen "to complete, perfect, accomplish, carry out (a duty, plan), construct," borrowed from Anglo-French parfourner, parfurnir, performer, parfourmir "to carry out, execute, complete" (continental Old French parfornir), from par-, per- per- + fornir, furnir "to supply, provide, furnish"; forms with -m- probably by association with former, formir "to form:2". First known use: 14th centuryt.