Reading Theme:
Performance Definition, Examples, and Common Usage (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：quality of work (performance)
performance
/pərˈfɔːrməns/
n.
How well or badly someone does a job, task, or piece of work.
quality of work
➕
/ˈkwɒləti əv wɜːrk/
n.
Refers to how well or badly someone completes a job, task, or piece of work, often measured against standards.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'performare' (per- 'thoroughly' + formare 'to form'), via Old French 'parformer'.
💡 Mnemonic
Per + form + ance: imagine performing a task to form a complete result.
📖 Example
Her performance in the presentation was outstanding, with clear explanations and engaging visuals.
Her performance in the presentation was outstanding, with clear explanations and engaging visuals.
🔗 Collocations
job performance – How well an employee does their assigned duties
performance review – A formal assessment of an employee's work quality
high performance – Achieving excellent results in a task
🔄 Synonyms
output (n.) – The amount or quality of work produced
accomplishment (n.) – Something achieved successfully
proficiency (n.) – Skillfulness in performing a task
🚫 Antonyms
failure (n.) – Lack of success in performing a task
underperformance (n.) – Below expected quality or output
🌱 Derivatives
perform (v.) – To carry out or execute a task
performer (n.) – A person who performs, especially in an arts context
performing (adj.) – Relating to achieving a certain level of result
📖 Cultural Story
Originally used in business appraisal contexts in the early 20th century, then broadened to technology and arts. No mythical origin; it evolved from medieval legal terms for completing a task.
Meaning 2：live show (performance)
performance
/pərˈfɔːrməns/
n.
The act of entertaining an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or playing music in public.
live show
➕
/laɪv ʃoʊ/
n.
The act of entertaining an audience by acting, singing, dancing, or playing music in a public setting.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We bought tickets to see a live musical performance at the city theater this weekend.
We bought tickets to see a live musical performance at the city theater this weekend.
🔗 Collocations
live performance – A performance given in front of an audience, not recorded
dance performance – A show where dancers perform choreographed routines
performance venue – The location where a show takes place, e.g., a theater
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
rehearsal (n.) – A practice session before the actual performance
audience absence (n.) – Lack of viewers, opposite of a public show
🌱 Derivatives
perform (v.) – To act, sing, or present in front of an audience
performer (n.) – An artist who performs on stage
performing arts (n.) – Art forms like theater, music, and dance
Meaning 3：device capability (performance)
performance
/pərˈfɔːrməns/
n.
How well a machine, vehicle, or device works; its capabilities and efficiency.
device capability
➕
/dɪˈvaɪs ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/
n.
How well a machine, vehicle, or device functions, including its speed, efficiency, and reliability.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This new laptop has excellent performance, allowing me to run multiple software programs smoothly at the same time.
This new laptop has excellent performance, allowing me to run multiple software programs smoothly at the same time.
🔗 Collocations
system performance – The speed and responsiveness of a computer or network
engine performance – The power and efficiency of a vehicle's engine
high-performance computing – Using advanced hardware to process complex tasks quickly
🔄 Synonyms
capability (n.) – The ability of a device to perform certain tasks
efficiency (n.) – Working well without wasting energy or time
speed (n.) – How fast a device operates
🚫 Antonyms
lag (n.) – Delay or slowness in device response
inefficiency (n.) – Wasting resources or time during operation
🌱 Derivatives
perform (v.) – To function in a certain way (e.g., the engine performs well)
performativity (n.) – The quality of fulfilling a function (rare)
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