perform

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To do or carry out a task or action.

   The doctors performed a difficult operation.

2. 2
   verb

   To act, sing, or play music in front of an audience.

   The band will perform at the festival next week.

3. 3
   verb

   To work or function in a particular way.

   The new employee performs very well under pressure.

Common collocations

• perform a dance Verb + noun
• perform a piece Verb + noun
• perform in a play Verb + noun
• perform magic Verb + noun

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, ca…

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