Many English words originating from other languages have confused us about how to use them.
If we put these words in a sentence, it becomes easier for us to differentiate the meaning of these words and how to implement them.
For example, perform and perform sound like two similar words, but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Key Takeaways
- Perform means carrying out or executing an action or task, while preform is shaping or forming something in advance.
- Perform is a verb associated with actions, whereas preform is related to manufacturing or production processes.
- The two terms are not interchangeable, as they describe different processes and activities.
Perform vs Preform
The difference between the words Perform, and Preform is that the former one is used when someone is performing an act or showcasing a skill like dancing or singing. Its meaning refers to carrying out an action, whereas the latter means forming a particular shape beforehand.
The word Perform is used as a verb in the sentence. The word’s simple past and past participle tense is performed, and the present participle form is performed.
It also means doing or executing some work. Example: Radha performed the rituals with true devotion.
The word Preform is also used as a verb in the sentence and refers to any shape given to an object beforehand.
But, the word also refers to shaping up emotional capabilities. For example, Sanjay performed his emotional thoughts before the jury.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Perform | Preform |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The word Perform means to carry out an act that is demanded by someone or to accomplish something. | The word Preform means to give a form or shape to something beforehand. It can be both an object or a sentiment. |
| History | The word Perform originally came from the Anglo-Norman performer, perfourmer, and alternation of the Old French parfornir. It became famous during the 1300s. | The word Preform originally came from the Latin word praefōrmāre and its use became popular during the 1600s (approximately). |
| Syllables | The word Perform has two syllables per and form and it is pronounced as per-fawrm. | The word Preform has two syllables pre and form and they are pronounced the same way. |
| Use | The word Perform is used when someone is showcasing a skill or completing or carrying out an action. | The word Preform is used when one wants to indicate something that is already being formed (the use of pre to signify beforehand). |
| Part of Speech | Though Perform is used as a verb in a sentence, its adjective Performable is also used extensively. | Preform is used as a verb in the sentence. |
| Synonyms | Some of the synonyms are carry out, execute, and accomplish. | Some of the synonyms are assign, allot, doom, and preordain. |
| Antonyms | Some of the antonyms are neglect and omit. | Some of the antonyms are unsettle, destroy, and hesitate. |
| Example | The students are going to perform today at Times Square.Most of the students performed well in Mathematics. | You can find many preform mold suppliers in the city.Preformed plastics are readily available in the market. |
What is Perform?
Perform is a very common English word that has its root in the Old French language. It has been derived from the Old French word parfornir which means to carry out or accomplish something.
Many other words from Anglo-French and Chruch Latin also influenced the popularity of the word “perform.” The word became popular during the 1300s.
Using the word perform can mean both showing off any skill or performing an act demanded by someone.
For example, Gita performed well in the singing competition. In this sentence, a person is showing off a skill to the audience.
In the sentence, “You should perform well in your examination”, it is demanded by either parents or teachers for the student to do well. So, the word can be used in both senses.
What is Preform?
Preform refers mainly to any formerly shaped objects that are available for multiple purposes. It is mainly used as a verb in the sentence.
For example, perform plastics are readily available in the market. The word became famous around the 1600s and was originally derived from Latin.
Here are some examples of how to use the word preform in a sentence.
- Anita needed to preform the mould into a circular shape for her art class.
- You need to preform the patty and put it in the freezer before frying it.
- He wanted to preform his thoughts and speak before the jury.
- Companies selling preform plastics are making huge profits.
Main Differences Between Perform and Preform
- The word Perform means to carry out an act that is demanded by someone or to accomplish something, whereas the word Preform means to give a form or shape to something beforehand. It can be both an object or a sentiment.
- The word Perform originally came from the Anglo-Norman performer, performers, and alternation of the Old French parfornir whereas the word Preform originally came from the Latin word praefōrmāre.
- The word Perform became famous during the 1300s, whereas the word Preform became famous during the 1600s.
- The word Perform has two syllables per and form, and it is pronounced as per-fawrm whereas the word Preform has two syllables pre and form, and they are pronounced the same way.
- The word Perform is used when someone is showcasing a skill or completing or carrying out an action. On the other hand, the word Preform is used when one wants to indicate something that is already being formed (the use of pre to signify beforehand).
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/440274
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/386731
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
Thanks for this insightful article! It certainly cleared up the confusion I had between these two words. It’s great to know the origins of these words and to see the specific contexts they are used in.
This was an enjoyable read, presented in a very engaging manner. I appreciate the efforts that went into making this article so well-structured and informative.
Absolutely, the author’s skill in presenting complex linguistic concepts in an accessible way is impressive.
This article has truly expanded my understanding of these terms. The comparison table was very helpful in reinforcing the distinctions between the two words.
I concur, the comparison table was an excellent way to summarize the key points of differentiation between these words.
The comparison table was indeed a great addition. This type of linguistic analysis is quite rare to find in online articles.
The amount of detail and clarity in this article is remarkable. It’s always a pleasure to read content that is well-referenced and rich in information, especially when it comes to language.
Another superb piece from the author. The explanations given have made these two words crystal clear for me. It’s impressive to see the depth of understanding that has gone into describing the differences between them.
It’s quite evident that the author is well-versed in the subject matter. The historical context provided for the words Perform and Preform is particularly enlightening.
I agree, the historical context added a lot of value to the article. It’s always interesting to see how language has evolved over time.