performance
/pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/ noun A2- The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action. · the performance of an undertaking or a duty· Though the result wasn't what we were hoping for, I have to commend the performance of the team, never giving up until the end.
- That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat; especially, an action of an elaborate or public character.
- A live show or concert. · The band played a mix of old and new songs during their 90-minute performance.· We saw the whole ballet performance from the front row.
- The amount of useful work accomplished estimated in terms of time needed, resources used, etc. · Better performance means more work accomplished in shorter time and/or using fewer resources.
- The actual use of language in concrete situations by native speakers of a language, as opposed to the system of linguistic knowledge they possess (competence), cf. linguistic performance.
Plural performances
From the library
He knew his time well—the hour when Valentine was giving Noirtier his breakfast, and was sure not to be disturbed in the performance of this pious duty.
A MONKEY once danced in an assembly of the Beasts, and so pleased them all by his performance that they elected him their King.
Lady Catherine continued her remarks on Elizabeth’s performance, mixing with them many instructions on execution and taste.
The curtain rose, as usual, to an almost empty house, it being one of the absurdities of Parisian fashion never to appear at the opera until after the beginning of the performance, so that the first act is generally played without the slightest attention being paid to it, that part of the audience already assembled being too much occupied in observing the fresh arrivals, while nothing is heard but the noise of opening and shutting doors, and the buzz of conversation.
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