PERFORMANCE


Meaning of PERFORMANCE in English

per ‧ form ‧ ance S2 W1 /pəˈfɔːməns $ pərˈfɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun

[ Word Family: noun : ↑ performance , ↑ performer ; verb : ↑ perform ; adjective : performing]

1 . [countable]

when someone performs a play or a piece of music

performance of

Their performance of Mozart’s Concerto in E flat was finely controlled and dramatic.

This evening’s performance will begin at 8.00 pm.

2 . [uncountable and countable] how well or badly a person, company etc does a particular job or activity:

Sean’s performance at school has greatly improved.

I was impressed by the team’s performance.

The country's economic performance so far this year has been good.

Shareholders blamed him for the company' s poor performance.

her disappointing performance in the Olympics

Exam results are used as performance indicators (=things that show how well something is done) for schools.

3 . [uncountable] the act of doing a piece of work, duty etc

performance of

the performance of his official duties

4 . [uncountable] how well a car or other machine works:

The car’s performance on mountain roads was impressive.

an imaging system using high-performance (=very effective) technology

5 . a performance British English spoken a process that takes a lot of unnecessary time and effort:

Shopping at the markets turned out to be quite a performance.

• • •

COLLOCATIONS

■ verbs

▪ give a performance

Samuel Jackson gives a terrific performance as Elijah.

▪ turn in/deliver a performance (=give a performance)

Both actors turn in great performances.

|

In the role of Carmen, Ms Leblanc delivered a quite exquisite performance.

▪ go to a performance ( also attend a performance formal )

We can go to the evening performance if you prefer.

|

The Princess attended a performance of The Magic Flute at the London Coliseum.

■ adjectives

▪ a fine/great performance

There are fine performances by Kathy Bates and Daryl Hannah.

▪ a memorable performance (=good and easy to remember)

There were memorable performances from Madonna and U2.

▪ a brilliant/magnificent/superb performance

Rogers gave a brilliant performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1.

▪ a virtuoso performance (=one showing great skill)

He delivered a virtuoso performance as The Phantom Of The Opera.

▪ a live performance (=one performed for people who are watching)

This is the band’s first live performance since last year.

▪ a solo performance (=one performed by a single musician, not a group)

Young’s solo performances are often his most effective.

■ COMMON ERRORS

► Do not say ' have a performance ' or ' make a performance '. Say give a performance .

• • •

COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)

■ adjectives

▪ good

England needs to produce another good performance against France.

▪ strong

The performance of the retail sector continues to be strong.

▪ poor

Why is his performance in school so poor?

▪ disappointing

The country’s recent economic performance has been disappointing.

▪ lacklustre (=not good or impressive)

The team must improve on Saturday’s lacklustre performance.

▪ economic performance

Its economic performance has not matched that of other countries.

▪ financial performance

Our overall financial performance has improved.

■ verbs

▪ improve sb’s performance

These changes significantly improve the performance of the engine.

▪ produce a performance

Tiger Woods produced one of the best performances of his career.

▪ put in/up a (good/bad etc) performance

Liverpool put in a marvellous performance in the second half.

▪ assess sb’s performance (=judge how good or bad it is)

Banks assess the performance and prospects of firms before lending.

▪ monitor sb’s performance

The children's performance at school is continually monitored.

■ performance + NOUN

▪ performance indicators (=things that show how well someone or something is doing)

We use a set of performance indicators to assess the level of progress.

▪ performance targets

Several train operators failed to meet the performance targets.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.      Longman - Словарь современного английского языка.