Perform
/pərˈfɔːrm/noun
To carry out, accomplish, or present an act, role, or piece of entertainment.
Did you know?Perform comes through Old French from Latin *per-* (“through, thoroughly”) + *formare* (“to shape”), so its oldest sense was about fully shaping or accomplishing something, not stage acting.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
performare
“to shape completely; to finish forming”
Old French
Old French
parformer
“to accomplish, complete”
Middle English
English
performen
“to carry out, accomplish”
16th Century
English
perform
“to execute an action or duty; later, to act or entertain”
Modern English
English
perform
“to carry out, accomplish, or present a role or work”