To perform means to carry out an action or complete a task. When a surgeon performs an operation, she's doing the careful, skilled work that helps a patient heal. When a scientist performs an experiment, he's conducting the steps needed to test his hypothesis. When you perform your chores, you're completing them through actual action.

The word often appears in contexts where skill or effort matters. A computer performs calculations. An engine performs well when it runs smoothly and reliably. A student who performs strongly on tests demonstrates real knowledge and preparation.

Perform also means to present something for an audience, like when musicians perform a concert, actors perform a play, or an acrobat performs tricks at the circus. This kind of performing requires practice and courage: you're showing your skills to others who are watching and listening.

Whether you're performing a science experiment, performing your duties as class monitor, or performing in the school talent show, the word suggests actually doing something rather than just talking about it. A performance is the act of performing, whether that's an evening of theater or how well a race car performs on the track.