Performing: meaning, definitions and examples

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performing

 

[pərˈfɔːmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on stage

Engaging in a presentation or entertainment in front of an audience.

Synonyms

act, entertain, execute, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
performing

When participating in an artistic activity like singing, dancing, or acting in front of an audience.

  • She loves performing on stage
  • The circus is full of performing animals
entertain

Used when activities are done to amuse or engage an audience.

  • He knows how to entertain a crowd
  • The magician entertained the children with his tricks
act

Best used to describe a specific segment of a performance or the behavior of someone in a particular role.

  • She played the lead act in the school play
  • His act of kindness was appreciated by everyone
execute

Appropriate for discussing the carrying out of a plan, task, or command, often in a professional or formal environment. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to carrying out a death sentence.

  • They had to execute the plan perfectly
  • The general ordered to execute the command immediately
show

Used when referring to a public performance or display, often with a mix of various entertainment elements.

  • We went to see a Broadway show
  • The light show was spectacular

Examples of usage

  • She will be performing in the theater tonight.
  • The band is performing at the music festival.
  • I love watching him performing on stage.
Context #2 | Verb

job or duty

Carrying out a task or fulfilling a responsibility.

Synonyms

accomplish, carry out, execute, fulfill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
performing

Used when talking about carrying out tasks, roles, or actions, especially in the context of arts or entertainment.

  • She is performing on stage tonight.
  • The surgeon was performing a complex operation.
execute

Often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as legal, military, or computing, to mean performing a planned action or putting a plan into effect. Can have a negative connotation when referring to capital punishment.

  • The company plans to execute the new strategy next quarter.
  • The code will execute perfectly with the updated software.
  • He was executed for his crimes.
accomplish

Used when talking about achieving a goal or completing a task successfully.

  • They were able to accomplish the project on time.
  • He feels satisfied when he accomplishes his daily tasks.
fulfill

Used when referring to meeting requirements, desires, or expectations, often with a sense of completion or satisfaction.

  • She found it hard to fulfill her mother's expectations.
  • They fulfilled their promise to help the community.
carry out

Appropriate for tasks or instructions that need to be followed or executed, often used in formal or official contexts.

  • The workers are carrying out the engineer's instructions.
  • She was asked to carry out the orders precisely.

Examples of usage

  • He is performing his job exceptionally well.
  • The team is performing various tasks to achieve the project goals.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

The action of carrying out a program or a piece of work.

Synonyms

execution, functioning, operation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
performing

Used when talking about entertainment or arts, like acting, singing, or dancing.

  • She is performing in a play tonight
  • The magician was performing tricks for the crowd
execution

Refers to the act of carrying out a plan, task, or command. Often used in legal or formal contexts. Note: It may have a negative connotation when referring to carrying out a death sentence.

  • The execution of the project was flawless
  • The execution of the criminal was scheduled for midnight
operation

Can refer to the way something works or the process of functioning, also used in medical contexts to describe surgical procedures.

  • The operation of the new software is very user-friendly
  • He underwent an operation to remove his appendix
functioning

Often used to describe how well something is working, typically machines or systems.

  • The washing machine is not functioning properly
  • Proper functioning of the heart is crucial for health

Examples of usage

  • The program is slow in performing the calculations.
  • The performing of the software is crucial for its efficiency.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'performare', meaning 'to form something thoroughly', reflecting its roots in completion.
  • Performing arts have their origins in ancient rituals, where storytelling and dance were used to convey cultural beliefs.
  • The first recorded theatrical performances were in Ancient Greece, where plays were presented as part of festivals honoring the god Dionysus.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have unique performing arts. For example, Kabuki in Japan and Flamenco in Spain bring distinct storytelling through dance.
  • In many Indigenous cultures, performances are integral to community identity, often used to pass down history and traditions.
  • The circus has roots in 18th-century Europe, combining acrobatics, clowning, and animal acts in a lively entertainment format.

Psychology

  • Performing in front of others can notably trigger anxiety for many, leading to a phenomenon known as 'stage fright'.
  • Studies indicate that performing arts can improve emotional intelligence and empathy, enhancing social skills.
  • Engaging in performance can boost self-esteem and confidence, as success on stage often translates to personal achievements.

Literature

  • Many famous plays, such as Shakespeare’s works, highlight the importance of performance not just as art, but as commentary on society.
  • The concept of 'dramatic irony' emphasizes how performances can expose the gap between appearance and reality.
  • Performance poetry combines spoken word and theatrical elements, making poetry accessible and engaging.

Technology

  • Digital platforms have transformed performing arts, allowing artists to stream live performances and reach global audiences.
  • The rise of virtual reality has introduced immersive live performances, where audiences can participate in the experience from home.
  • Artificial Intelligence is now being explored in performances, enabling virtual entities to act and interact with human performers.

Translations

Translations of the word "performing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 executando

🇮🇳 प्रदर्शन करना

🇩🇪 ausführend

🇮🇩 melakukan

🇺🇦 виконуючи

🇵🇱 wykonując

🇯🇵 実行する

🇫🇷 exécutant

🇪🇸 ejecutando

🇹🇷 yapan

🇰🇷 수행하는

🇸🇦 تنفيذ

🇨🇿 provádějící

🇸🇰 vykonávajúci

🇨🇳 执行

🇸🇮 izvajanje

🇮🇸 framkvæma

🇰🇿 орындау

🇬🇪 შესრულება

🇦🇿 icra etmək

🇲🇽 ejecutando

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,495, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.