perform

perform (pər-fôrmʹ) verb

performed, performing, performs

[Middle English performen, from Anglo-Norman performer, from Old French parfornir : par-, intensive pref. (from Latin per-, per-) + fournir, to furnish. See furnish.]

performʹable adjective

performʹer noun

Synonyms: perform, execute, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill, discharge. These verbs signify to carry through to completion. To perform is to carry out an action, an undertaking, or a procedure; the word often connotes observance of due form or the exercise of skill or care: The ship's captain performed the wedding ceremony. The orchestra and chorus performed an Easter oratorio. Sophisticated laser experiments are performed regularly in the laboratory. Execute implies performing a task or putting something into effect in accordance with a plan or design: "To execute laws is a royal office; to execute orders is not to be a king" (Edmund Burke). The violinist had the technical skill to execute the cadenza, with its double stops and harmonics, with brilliance. Accomplish connotes the successful completion of something, often of something that requires tenacity or talent: "Make one brave push and see what can be accomplished in a week" (Robert Louis Stevenson). He accomplished his purpose, the rapid acquisition of enormous profits, only by making risky investments. To achieve is to accomplish something especially by dint of effort or despite difficulty; the term often implies a significant result: "Some are born great . . . Some achieve greatness . . . And some have greatness thrust upon them" (Shakespeare). Greater benefits can be achieved through diplomatic channels than by acts of aggression. Effect suggests the power of an agent to bring about a desired result: Even the antibiotics the doctor prescribed didn't effect a complete cure. To fulfill is to live up to expectations or satisfy demands, wishes, or requirements: It is unrealistic to hope that all one's desires can be fulfilled. She fulfilled her obligations to her parents. To discharge an obligation or duty is to perform all the steps necessary for its fulfillment: "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do" (Edward VIII).