Performer: meaning, definitions and examples

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performer

[pərˈfɔːrmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

entertainment

A performer is someone who entertains an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or playing music.

Synonyms

actor, artist, entertainer, musician.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
performer	Use this when talking about someone who presents any type of entertainment to an audience, can be used in a broad sense. The performer captivated the audience with a stunning monologue. She is a versatile performer who excels in both music and dance.
entertainer	Applicable when discussing someone who makes people have fun and enjoy themselves, often in a broad sense similar to 'performer' but leans more towards humor and variety acts. The entertainer made everyone laugh with his hilarious jokes. As a professional entertainer, she travels the world performing at various events.
artist	Typically used for someone engaged in creating art, such as painters, sculptors, and sometimes musicians or performers emphasizing their creative expression. The artist displayed her paintings at the local gallery. He sees himself as more of an artist than just a singer.
actor	Suitable when discussing someone who performs in plays, movies, or TV shows. The actor delivered an unforgettable performance in the latest film. She trained for years to become a professional actor.
musician	Used specifically for someone who plays a musical instrument or is involved in producing music. The musician played the violin with great skill. She is a talented musician who can play multiple instruments.

Examples of usage

The performer captivated the audience with her mesmerizing dance routine.
He is a talented performer who can sing and play multiple instruments.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

circus

In a circus, a performer is a person who showcases their skills, such as acrobatics, juggling, or tightrope walking.

Synonyms

acrobat, juggler, tightrope walker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
performer	A general term for anyone who entertains an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or other forms of entertainment. The performer captivated the audience with his soulful singing. As a street performer, she could easily draw a crowd.
acrobat	Used for a person who performs feats requiring agility, balance, and coordination, typically in a circus or similar setting. The acrobat executed a flawless somersault in mid-air. She joined the circus to become a professional acrobat.
juggler	Refers to a person who skillfully throws and catches multiple objects, often as a form of entertainment. The juggler amazed the crowd by keeping five balls in the air. He worked part-time as a juggler at children's parties.
tightrope walker	Describes someone who performs stunts while balancing on a tightrope, typically in a circus. The tightrope walker crossed the rope with incredible precision. She trained for years to become a famous tightrope walker.

Examples of usage

The circus performer amazed the crowd with his daring tightrope act.
The performers in the circus train rigorously to perfect their skills.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

business

In business, a performer is someone who consistently achieves high levels of success or results.

Synonyms

high achiever, successful individual, top performer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
performer	General term for someone who carries out tasks or activities, often used in the context of entertainment or workplace productivity. She is a skilled performer on the stage. As a performer, he delivers consistent results every quarter.
high achiever	Describes someone who achieves a lot, often in terms of personal and professional success. Often used in academic or career settings. In school, she was always a high achiever, excelling in every subject. High achievers tend to set very high standards for themselves.
top performer	Specifically describing someone who is among the best in their field, often used in business or competitive environments. In our sales team, John is the top performer this quarter. She is recognized as a top performer in the tech industry.
successful individual	Broad term for someone who has achieved significant success in various aspects of life, whether in career, personal goals, or other endeavors. He is a successful individual with multiple businesses. Many people look up to her as a successful individual in the community.

Examples of usage

She is a top performer in the sales department, exceeding her targets every month.
The company rewards performers with bonuses and promotions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term derives from the Middle English 'performen', which combines Latin roots meaning 'to carry out' or 'to complete'.
Initially, it related to physical tasks; over time, it evolved to represent artistic and entertainment fields.

History

The concept of a performer has existed since ancient civilizations, with early examples found in Greek theatre and Roman spectacles.
In the 18th century, the rise of music halls in Europe paved the way for performers to showcase a wider variety of acts.

Pop Culture

In modern times, major events like the Super Bowl halftime show highlight how high-profile performers can captivate millions of viewers.
Reality TV shows like 'America's Got Talent' have spotlighted a diverse range of performers, from singers to magicians.

Psychology

Studies show that performing can create a 'flow state', where individuals feel fully engaged and lose track of time.
Performers often experience a mix of anxiety and excitement before going on stage, a phenomenon known as 'performance anxiety'.

Theatre

The role of a performer in theatre includes not only acting but also understanding character development and staging.
Famous playwrights like Shakespeare revolutionized the concept of a performer by creating complex characters that resonate with audiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "performer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 artista

intérprete
executor

🇮🇳 कलाकार

🇩🇪 Künstler

🇮🇩 artis

🇺🇦 виконавець

🇵🇱 artysta

🇯🇵 パフォーマー

🇫🇷 artiste

🇪🇸 artista

🇹🇷 sanatçı

🇰🇷 공연자

🇸🇦 فنان

🇨🇿 umělec

🇸🇰 umelca

🇨🇳 表演者

🇸🇮 umetnik

🇮🇸 listamaður

🇰🇿 орындаушы

🇬🇪 მსახიობი

🇦🇿 ifaçı

🇲🇽 artista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,298, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11295 monastic
11296 stripping
11297 newest
11298 performer
11299 idealism
11300 racist
11301 seeding
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