Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of carrying out or accomplishing something: "Performance" refers to the execution or fulfillment of an action, duty, or function.
   • The manner in which something functions or operates: It describes the effectiveness, capability, or efficiency of a machine, system, or person in action.
   • A public presentation or exhibition of a skill, play, music, etc.: "Performance" is an instance of performing arts, such as a play, concert, or dance, before an audience.
   • A recognized achievement or feat: It can denote an accomplishment, often one that demonstrates skill under pressure.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The performance of his duties was exemplary. (He carried out his responsibilities in an outstanding way.)
  • The car's performance on icy roads was impressive. (The way the car functioned and handled on icy roads was notable.)
  • We attended a brilliant performance of 'Hamlet'. (We went to see an excellent staging of the play 'Hamlet'.)
  • Her performance in the final exam was outstanding. (Her achievement or result in the final exam was excellent.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be in performance": to be actively functioning or operating.
  • The new software is now in performance and running smoothly.
• "High-performance": (as a compound adjective, listed here as advanced usage) describing something designed for superior efficiency or capability.
  • He drives a high-performance sports car.

Variants and Related Words

• Perform (verb): to carry out, execute, or present.
  • She will perform a new song tonight.
• Performer (noun): a person who performs, especially in entertainment.
  • The circus performer amazed the crowd.
• Performing (adjective/gerund): related to or involved in performance.
  • She is a member of the performing arts committee.

Synonyms

• Execution: the act of carrying out a plan, order, or task.
• Operation: the fact or condition of functioning or being active.
• Presentation: the act of showing or offering something for others to see or experience.
• Accomplishment: something that has been achieved successfully.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Performance" is a noun and does not typically form phrasal verbs. Related verbal phrases involve its root verb "perform.") - Perform under pressure: to function or execute a task effectively in stressful conditions. - A good leader must know how to perform under pressure.

Related Idioms

• A command performance: a performance given at the request of a head of state or other authority.
  • The orchestra gave a command performance for the visiting dignitaries.
• To put on a performance: to behave in an exaggerated or dramatic way, often to attract attention.
  • He really put on a performance when he didn't get his way.

Noun

1. process or manner of functioning or operating
   • the power of its engine determines its operation
   • the plane's operation in high winds
   • they compared the cooking performance of each oven
   • the jet's performance conformed to high standards
2. any recognized accomplishment
   • they admired his performance under stress
   • when Roger Maris powered four home runs in one game his performance merits awe
3. the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it
   • they criticised his performance as mayor
   • experience generally improves performance
4. the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment
   • we congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsal
   • an inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto
5. a dramatic or musical entertainment
   • they listened to ten different performances
   • the play ran for 100 performances
   • the frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity