Performance
/pərˈfɔːrməns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of performing a play, concert, or other public presentation, or the presentation itself.
/pərˈfɔːrməns/
An act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment.
The musical's opening night performance was a great success.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're putting on a show! A performance is when you're acting, singing, or playing music in front of other people. It's what you do at a play or a concert.
👶 For kids: When you show something to people, like a dance or a song, it's called a performance!
More Examples
The singer's vocal performance was stunning.
The circus put on a dazzling performance.
How It's Used
"The audience applauded the dancer's impressive performance."
"The theatre presented a matinee performance for families."
The execution of an action, task, or function, or the degree to which something fulfills its purpose.
/pərˈfɔːrməns/
The action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function.
The engine's performance was significantly improved after the tune-up.
💡 Simply: Think about how well something does what it's supposed to do. Like, how well your car drives or how well your team plays a game. That's its performance.
👶 For kids: How good something is at doing its job, like how fast a car goes or how well you do on a test!
More Examples
The team's performance on the field was disappointing.
The student's academic performance was outstanding.
How It's Used
"The company's performance in the last quarter exceeded expectations."
"The athlete's performance was hindered by an injury."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
underperform
To perform less well than expected or than others in a similar situation.
"The company's stock has underperformed this year."
high-performance
Designed or able to achieve a high level of output or functioning.
"They invested in a high-performance engine."
From Middle English *perfourmaunce*, from Old French *parformanz* (present participle of *parformer*, 'to perform'), from *par-* (perfective prefix, 'through, thoroughly') + *fournir* ('to furnish, accomplish').
The word 'performance' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of fulfilling a promise or obligation.
Memory tip
Picture a spotlight on a stage; it's a *performance*!
Word Origin
"to carry out, accomplish"