performed

performed — verb

1. To do a task, job, or action that someone is responsible for finishing.

1.動詞及物A2
釋義

To do a task, job, or action that someone is responsible for finishing.

例句

The surgeon performed the operation with great care and attention.

perform + operation (medical context)

Jude performed every task his manager assigned before the deadline.

perform + task / assigned by manager

同義詞
  • do

    more general and less formal; 'do' is the everyday alternative for almost any action

  • carry out

    emphasises completing a plan or order; common in workplace and military contexts

  • execute

    more formal than 'perform'; suggests carrying out a carefully planned procedure with precision

反義詞
  • neglect

    to fail to do something that should be done

  • avoid

    to stay away from doing a required task

文法句型

perform + noun phrase (task, job, operation, duty, function)

用法筆記

This is the broadest sense of 'perform', covering any type of work or action. Unlike sense 4 (CEREMONIAL DUTY), the action here does not have to be formal or traditional.

常見錯誤

❌I performed my homework before dinner.
✅I did my homework before dinner.
💡'perform' sounds too formal for everyday personal tasks like homework; use 'do' instead.

2. To work or run in a particular way, especially when judged by how well a machine

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

To work or run in a particular way, especially when judged by how well a machine, system, or person functions.

例句

The old engine still performed well even after fifteen years of daily use.

perform + adverb (well) — machine/equipment subject

Amihan's laptop performed poorly after she installed too many programmes.

同義詞
  • function

    emphasises working properly or as designed; slightly more technical than 'perform'

  • run

    informal; commonly used for machines and software

  • work

    the simplest everyday alternative; 'the engine works well'

反義詞
  • fail

    to stop working properly or break down

  • malfunction

    to function incorrectly; more technical

文法句型

perform + adverb (well, poorly, satisfactorily)

perform + in/under + conditions

用法筆記

In this sense 'perform' is always intransitive. The subject is typically a machine, device, system, or organisation — not a person doing a task. A personal subject changes the meaning back to sense 1 (DO / CARRY OUT).

常見錯誤

❌The computer performed the calculation quickly.' (if you meant it ran well).
✅The computer performed well during the test.
💡When you mean a machine functions in a certain way, use an adverb directly after 'perform'; do not add a direct object.

3. To dance, sing, act, or play music in front of an audience as a form of entertai

3.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

To dance, sing, act, or play music in front of an audience as a form of entertainment.

例句

Tara performed a traditional dance at the school festival last Friday.

perform + traditional dance + at [event]

The band performed three new songs at the concert hall in Taipei.

同義詞
  • act

    specifically about performing in a play, film, or show

  • play

    used when performing music on an instrument

  • present

    more formal; used for showcasing a performance to an audience

反義詞
  • watch

    to be in the audience rather than on stage

文法句型

perform + noun phrase (song, dance, play, role)

perform + on/at/in (location)

perform + for (audience)

用法筆記

When used intransitively ('the singer performed well'), the meaning overlaps with sense 2 (FUNCTION / OPERATE) in a performance-evaluation context. The presence of an audience or stage setting distinguishes this sense from the other three.

常見錯誤

❌She performed a speech at the meeting.
✅She gave a speech at the meeting.
💡A speech is not a piece of entertainment; use 'give a speech' or 'deliver a speech' instead of 'perform'.

4. To carry out a duty or action that is required by law, tradition, religion, or s

4.動詞及物B2
釋義

To carry out a duty or action that is required by law, tradition, religion, or social custom.

例句

The priest performed the wedding ceremony in a small village church.

perform + wedding ceremony (religious/formal context)

Mateo performed his duty as a witness and signed the legal documents.

同義詞
  • conduct

    common for ceremonies, meetings, and official proceedings; similar formality to 'perform'

  • fulfil

    emphasises meeting an obligation or duty

  • carry out

    neutral alternative that works for both formal and informal duties

反義詞
  • breach

    to fail to carry out a legal or formal duty

  • omit

    to leave out a required step in a ceremony or procedure

文法句型

perform + noun phrase (ceremony, ritual, rite, marriage, oath)

用法筆記

This is the most formal sense. The subject is typically a person in an official role (judge, priest, official, doctor). Unlike sense 1 (DO / CARRY OUT), the action here is governed by ritual, law, or tradition — not just any task.

常見錯誤

❌The nurse performed the patient's temperature check.
✅The nurse took the patient's temperature.
💡'perform' is too formal for routine medical checks; reserve it for formal or ceremonial procedures.