- 1 [transitive] perform something to do something, such as a piece of work, task or duty synonym carry out to perform an experiment/a miracle/a ceremony She performs an important role in our organization. This operation has never been performed in this country. A computer can perform many tasks at once. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adverbeffectively, efficiently, properly, … verb + performbe able to, be unable to, be expected to, … phrasesfailure to perform something See full entry
- 2 [transitive, intransitive] perform (something) to entertain an audience by playing a piece of music, acting in a play, etc. to perform somersaults/magic tricks The play was first performed in 2007. I'd like to hear it performed live. to perform on the flute I'm looking forward to seeing you perform. Wordfinderconcertaudience, auditorium, concert, interval, microphone, perform, programme, soloist, support, venue Oxford Collocations Dictionary adverblive, in public, publicly, … phrasesfirst performed, rarely performed, see something performed, … See full entry See related entries: Producing a play, Live music
- 3 [intransitive] perform (well/badly/poorly) to work or function well or badly The engine seems to be performing well. The company has been performing poorly over the past year. If Bale performs (= performs well) then I believe Wales can win. She performed less well in the second test. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adverbadmirably, beautifully, brilliantly, … verb + performbe able to, be unable to, be expected to, … See full entry Word OriginMiddle English: from Anglo-Norman French parfourmer, alteration (by association with forme ‘form’) of Old French parfournir, from par ‘through, to completion’ + fournir ‘furnish, provide’.Extra examples I’ve never seen this play performed before. One or two of the players performed brilliantly. The car performed poorly at high speeds. The company has been performing strongly over the past year. The group will be performing live on tonight’s show. The play was first publicly performed in 1872. The prince is no longer able to perform his duties. The two artists have never performed together before. Who ensures that tasks are properly performed? failure to perform a contract students who are expected to perform well those who faithfully perform their duties All subjects performed the experiment twice. He performed a few magic tricks at the party. He performed miracles to get everything ready in time. I’d like to hear it performed live. I’m looking forward to seeing you perform. If Rooney performs then I believe England can win.Idioms
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BrE BrE//pəˈfɔːm//; NAmE NAmE//pərˈfɔːrm//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they perform BrE BrE//pəˈfɔːm//; NAmE NAmE//pərˈfɔːrm//
he / she / it performs BrE BrE//pəˈfɔːmz//; NAmE NAmE//pərˈfɔːrmz//
past simple performed BrE BrE//pəˈfɔːmd//; NAmE NAmE//pərˈfɔːrmd//
past participle performed BrE BrE//pəˈfɔːmd//; NAmE NAmE//pərˈfɔːrmd//
-ing form performing BrE BrE//pəˈfɔːmɪŋ//; NAmE NAmE//pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ//
Producing a play, Live musicto achieve very good results Her exercise programme has worked miracles for her.
Check pronunciation: perform
