Performing: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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