Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Performance

Per-form′ance

,
Noun.
The act of performing; the carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action;
as, the
performance
of an undertaking of a duty
.
Promises are not binding where the
performance
is impossible.
Paley.
2.
That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat; esp., an action of an elaborate or public character.
“Her walking and other actual performances.”
Shak.
“His musical performances.”
Macaulay.
Syn. – Completion; consummation; execution; accomplishment; achievement; production; work; act; action; deed; exploit; feat.

Webster 1828 Edition


Performance

PERFORM'ANCE

,
Noun.
Execution or completion of any thing; a doing; as the performance of work or of an undertaking; the performance of duty.
1.
Action; deed; thing done.
2.
The acting or exhibition of character on the state. Garrick was celebrated for his theatrical performances.
3.
Composition; work written.
Few of our comic performances give good examples.
4.
The acting or exhibition of feats; as performances of horsemanship.

Definition 2024


Performance

Performance

See also: performance and perfórmance

German

Noun

Performance f (genitive Performance, plural Performances)

  1. (art) performance

performance

performance

See also: Performance and perfórmance

English

Alternative forms

Noun

performance (plural performances)

  1. The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.
    the performance of an undertaking or a duty
    • 1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax:
      Charles had not been employed above six months at Darracott Place, but he was not such a whopstraw as to make the least noise in the performance of his duties when his lordship was out of humour.
  2. That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat; especially, an action of an elaborate or public character.
  3. (art) A live show or concert.
  4. The amount of useful work accomplished estimated in terms of time needed, resources used, etc.
    Better performance means more work accomplished in shorter time and/or using fewer resources.

Usage notes

  • Adjectives often applied to "performance": high, poor, improved, superior, excellent, good, peak, top, optimal, low, economic, academic, financial, musical, human, environmental, vocal, cognitive, dynamic, organizational, historical, physical, social, mechanical, electrical, mental, macroeconomic.

Hyponyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations


French

Etymology

Borrowing from English performance.

Noun

performance f (plural performances)

  1. (sports) performance

Italian

Etymology

Borrowing from English performance.

Noun

performance f (invariable)

  1. performance

Synonyms


Portuguese

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowing from English performance.

Noun

performance f (plural performances)

  1. performance (amount of useful work accomplished by someone or something)

Synonyms


Spanish

Etymology

Borrowing from English performance.

Noun

performance f (plural performances)

  1. performance art