Execution

/ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən/

nounmedium🔥Very CommonAction
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act or process of carrying out a plan, order, or course of action, or the way in which something is done.

/ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən/

nounneutralmedium
Action

The carrying out of a plan, order, or course of action.

The execution of the plan was flawless.

💡 Simply: It's like when you have a plan and you actually DO it! Like, 'The chef's execution of the new recipe was perfect!'

👶 For kids: When you do what you planned to do! Like, putting your toys away.

More Examples

2

The company’s efficient execution led to increased profits.

3

The success of the project hinged on its timely execution.

4

Proper execution of the code is crucial for a program to work correctly.

How It's Used

Business

"The execution of the marketing strategy was critical to the product launch's success."

Military

"The general planned a swift execution of the battle plan."

2

The carrying out of a sentence of death on a person condemned by a court of law.

/ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən/

nounnegativemedium
Action

The act of putting a condemned person to death.

The execution was a somber event.

💡 Simply: Sadly, it also means killing someone as a punishment. Like, in the old days, they had executions.

👶 For kids: When someone gets punished by death.

More Examples

2

The condemned man faced execution.

3

The state abolished the death penalty, ending executions.

4

The historical accounts detail numerous executions.

How It's Used

Law

"The execution was carried out at dawn."

Historical

"The execution of the queen was a pivotal moment in the revolution."

Tip:Imagine the last action before a life ends.
3

The way in which something is performed or carried out; the style or skill with which something is done.

/ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən/

nounneutralmedium
Style

The manner in which something is done.

The chef's excellent execution of the dish impressed the judges.

💡 Simply: How well something is done. Like, 'The dancer's execution of the moves was really graceful!'

👶 For kids: How something is done or performed.

More Examples

2

Her meticulous execution of the task resulted in a successful outcome.

3

The execution of the painting was breathtaking.

4

The actor's execution of the role was superb.

How It's Used

Sports

"The gymnast’s execution of the routine was near-perfect."

Art

"The artist was praised for their masterful execution."

Tip:Think about the style a musician employs in order to convey a feeling.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

execution of the contract

The signing and formalizing of a legal agreement, making it official and binding.

"The execution of the contract finalized the terms between the parties."

From Middle French execution, from Latin executio (“a performance, a carrying out”), from exsequor (“to follow out, pursue, accomplish”).

Historically, 'execution' has been associated with legal and military actions, especially the carrying out of orders and sentences.

Memory tip

Think of the way an actor brings a role to life on stage – the execution of a performance.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to carry out, accomplish"

efficient executionflawless executionproper executiontimely executionexecution of a plan

Common misspellings

execusionexecuation

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written