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How to Say Performance: Pronunciation, Definition
Learn performance pronunciation, definition, origin, alternatives, and common phrases to master the word with clear examples.
How to Pronounce Performance
Step-by-Step Pronunciation of "Performance"
Break into Syllables: The word can be divided as per - for - mance.
Syllable "per": It sounds like "pur" similar to the sound in "purr" (what a cat makes).
Syllable "for": Pronounce this syllable exactly like the word "for" used in everyday speech.
Syllable "mance": This sounds like "muhns" with a soft and quick ending sound.
Combine with Emphasis: When saying the entire word, stress the "for" syllable, so it sounds like "pur-FOR-muhns."
Practice Tips
Tip 1: Say each syllable slowly: "per-for-mance," then gradually increase your speed.
Tip 2: Listen to native speakers using the word in audio clips or videos to match the natural rhythm.
Tip 3: Record yourself, then compare your pronunciation to correct versions, focusing especially on the stressed "FOR" syllable.
Tip 4: Practice in short sentences, like "The performance was amazing," to become comfortable with its use in context.
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What Does Performance Mean
Understanding "Performance"
Definition 1: "Performance" means how well or badly someone or something does its work or activity. For example, a computer with good performance works quickly and efficiently.
Definition 2: It also means a public show, where people perform music, dancing, acting, or other talents on stage.
Performance in Everyday Life
At Work or School: When you talk about a student's performance or an employee's performance, you are discussing how well they do their tasks.
In Technology: A fast smartphone or computer is said to have good performance because it handles tasks quickly.
In Entertainment: A live performance, like a concert or play, is when people show their skills to an audience.
Key Points to Remember
Quality of Work: It describes the level of success or skill in doing something.
Event or Show: It refers to a planned event where people display their talents to entertain others.
Context Matters: The meaning of "performance" depends on the situation. Always consider the context in which it is used.
Understanding "Performance"
Definition 1: "Performance" means how well or badly someone or something does its work or activity. For example, a computer with good performance works quickly and efficiently.
Definition 2: It also means a public show, where people perform music, dancing, acting, or other talents on stage.
Performance in Everyday Life
At Work or School: When you talk about a student's performance or an employee's performance, you are discussing how well they do their tasks.
In Technology: A fast smartphone or computer is said to have good performance because it handles tasks quickly.
In Entertainment: A live performance, like a concert or play, is when people show their skills to an audience.
Key Points to Remember
Quality of Work: It describes the level of success or skill in doing something.
Event or Show: It refers to a planned event where people display their talents to entertain others.
Context Matters: The meaning of "performance" depends on the situation. Always consider the context in which it is used.
The Origin of the Word Performance
Origin of the Word Performance
The word performance comes from a combination of the verb perform and the suffix -ance. The verb perform began in Middle English and was influenced by Old French words such as "parfournir" which meant to complete or carry out. Over time, this word evolved to mean not only finishing a task but also putting on an act or presentation for an audience.
Middle English Influence: Early forms of performance described acts or deeds, showing that the word originally meant to complete a duty or task.
Old French Roots: The influence of Old French is clear in the word perform, which transformed into a word that also described stage acts and public displays.
Latin Components: The parts of the word come from Latin elements; the prefix per- means "through" and gives the sense of carrying something out completely, which fits with the idea of performing.
Modern Usage: Today, performance can describe any act of carrying out a task, as well as specific events in theaters or on stages where people act, sing, or dance.
This history shows that performance has grown from a simple idea of completing a task to a rich meaning that includes artistic and public presentations. It reflects both everyday actions and creative expressions, making it a very flexible word in English.
Origin of the Word Performance
The word performance comes from a combination of the verb perform and the suffix -ance. The verb perform began in Middle English and was influenced by Old French words such as "parfournir" which meant to complete or carry out. Over time, this word evolved to mean not only finishing a task but also putting on an act or presentation for an audience.
Middle English Influence: Early forms of performance described acts or deeds, showing that the word originally meant to complete a duty or task.
Old French Roots: The influence of Old French is clear in the word perform, which transformed into a word that also described stage acts and public displays.
Latin Components: The parts of the word come from Latin elements; the prefix per- means "through" and gives the sense of carrying something out completely, which fits with the idea of performing.
Modern Usage: Today, performance can describe any act of carrying out a task, as well as specific events in theaters or on stages where people act, sing, or dance.
This history shows that performance has grown from a simple idea of completing a task to a rich meaning that includes artistic and public presentations. It reflects both everyday actions and creative expressions, making it a very flexible word in English.
What to Say Instead Performance
Execution
Similarity: Emphasizes the act of carrying out a task, similar to how a performance represents the implementation of a skill or plan.
Usage in Context: "The execution of the campaign was flawless, reflecting the team’s high-performance standards."
Execution
Similarity: Emphasizes the act of carrying out a task, similar to how a performance represents the implementation of a skill or plan.
Usage in Context: "The execution of the campaign was flawless, reflecting the team’s high-performance standards."
Presentation
Similarity: Focuses on how something is delivered or exhibited, much like a performance is presented to an audience.
Usage in Context: "Her presentation during the seminar was engaging and well-prepared, mirroring an impressive performance."
Presentation
Similarity: Focuses on how something is delivered or exhibited, much like a performance is presented to an audience.
Usage in Context: "Her presentation during the seminar was engaging and well-prepared, mirroring an impressive performance."
Display
Similarity: Highlights the visual or demonstrative aspect of an action, akin to showcasing one’s performance.
Usage in Context: "The art exhibit was a brilliant display of creativity, much like a captivating performance on stage."
Display
Similarity: Highlights the visual or demonstrative aspect of an action, akin to showcasing one’s performance.
Usage in Context: "The art exhibit was a brilliant display of creativity, much like a captivating performance on stage."
Rendering
Similarity: Often used in an artistic or musical context where it denotes the interpretation or execution of a piece.
Usage in Context: "His rendering of the classical piece brought a fresh perspective to the familiar performance."
Rendering
Similarity: Often used in an artistic or musical context where it denotes the interpretation or execution of a piece.
Usage in Context: "His rendering of the classical piece brought a fresh perspective to the familiar performance."
Delivery
Similarity: Relates to the manner in which content or a message is communicated, paralleling how a performance is executed for an audience.
Usage in Context: "The professor’s delivery of the lecture was dynamic, making the academic performance both engaging and informative."
Delivery
Similarity: Relates to the manner in which content or a message is communicated, paralleling how a performance is executed for an audience.
Usage in Context: "The professor’s delivery of the lecture was dynamic, making the academic performance both engaging and informative."
Achievement
Similarity: Focuses on the result or success of an action, similar to evaluating the outcome of a performance.
Usage in Context: "Winning the award was a clear achievement that reflected years of dedicated performance."
Achievement
Similarity: Focuses on the result or success of an action, similar to evaluating the outcome of a performance.
Usage in Context: "Winning the award was a clear achievement that reflected years of dedicated performance."
Common Phrases and Examples with Performance
1. Her performance on the piano was amazing.
Explanation: This sentence uses "performance" to talk about how well she played the piano.
1. Her performance on the piano was amazing.
Explanation: This sentence uses "performance" to talk about how well she played the piano.
2. The performance of the new phone is very fast.
Explanation: Here, "performance" refers to how well the phone works.
2. The performance of the new phone is very fast.
Explanation: Here, "performance" refers to how well the phone works.
3. The team's performance improved after extra practice.
Explanation: In this sentence, "performance" means how well the team played in the game.
3. The team's performance improved after extra practice.
Explanation: In this sentence, "performance" means how well the team played in the game.
4. His performance in the school play was excellent.
Explanation: This sentence shows "performance" as the way he acted in the school play.
4. His performance in the school play was excellent.
Explanation: This sentence shows "performance" as the way he acted in the school play.
5. The car's performance in the race was impressive.
Explanation: "Performance" here describes how well the car did during the race.
5. The car's performance in the race was impressive.
Explanation: "Performance" here describes how well the car did during the race.
6. The machine is known for its reliable performance.
Explanation: In this example, "performance" is used to talk about the machine working steadily and as expected.
6. The machine is known for its reliable performance.
Explanation: In this example, "performance" is used to talk about the machine working steadily and as expected.
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