Performing vs. Performance — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
"Performing" refers to the act of carrying out a task or presenting art, whereas "performance" is the execution itself or the presentation of an artistic work.
Difference Between Performing and Performance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Performing is an action verb that emphasizes the process or act of executing or presenting something, particularly in contexts like theater, music, and dance. It focuses on the action taken by individuals or groups to convey artistic expression or fulfill a task. Performance, on the other hand, is a noun that describes the act of performing itself or the event where the artistic work is presented. It encapsulates the entirety of the execution, including the quality, the reception, and the outcome of the performing act.
When discussing "performing," the emphasis is often on the skills, techniques, and actions of the performers during the act of presentation. It highlights the dynamic, ongoing nature of presenting art or executing a task. "Performance," however, can refer to both the event of presentation and the evaluation of how well the task or artistic expression was executed. It can be used to assess the effectiveness, impact, and quality of the performing act.
In the context of the arts, performing underscores the activeness and engagement of artists in their craft, whether it's acting, dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments. Performance, in this sense, can be viewed as the culmination of these acts, including the interpretation, the interaction with the audience, and the overall presentation as a coherent whole.
In a broader sense, "performing" can apply to any act of doing something, such as performing a duty or task, emphasizing the execution aspect. "Performance" can also refer to the efficiency or effectiveness of machines, companies, or individuals in non-artistic contexts, highlighting the outcomes or results of performing certain actions.
Thus, while "performing" and "performance" are closely related, the former is more about the act of doing, and the latter is about the execution and its evaluation, whether in artistic contexts or broader applications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of executing or presenting.
The execution itself or the presentation as an event.
Focus
On the skills, techniques, and actions.
On the quality, impact, and outcome.
Context
Often used in arts (theater, music, dance).
Applies to both arts and broader contexts (business, technology).
Nature
Dynamic, ongoing action.
Culmination of an act, including evaluation.
Usage
Describes the process of action.
Describes the event of action and its assessment.
Compare with Definitions
Performing
Engaging in the act of presenting art.
She loves performing on stage, especially in musicals.
Performance
Assessment of how well a task was executed.
Her performance in the final exam was outstanding.
Performing
Demonstrating a skill or talent.
He will be performing a solo at the concert tonight.
Performance
The presentation or execution of an artistic work.
The performance of Hamlet received standing ovations.
Performing
Executing a task or function.
The robot is performing the assigned tasks efficiently.
Performance
The effectiveness of a machine or system.
The new model has significantly better performance.
Performing
Actively participating in an activity.
They enjoy performing in community theater productions.
Performance
An event where artistic work is presented.
Tonight’s performance starts at 8 PM.
Performing
Carrying out actions as part of a role.
The software is performing better after the update.
Performance
The outcome of performing an action.
The company’s performance this quarter exceeded expectations.
Performing
To begin and carry through to completion; do
The surgeon performed the operation.
Performance
A performance is an act of staging or presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment. It is also defined as the action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function.
Performing
To take action in accordance with the requirements of; fulfill
Perform one's contractual obligations.
Performance
The act of performing or the state of being performed.
Performing
To enact (a feat or role) before an audience.
Performance
The act or style of performing a work or role before an audience.
Performing
To give a public presentation of; present
My theater group performed a three-act play.
Performance
The way in which someone or something functions
The pilot rated the airplane's performance in high winds.
Performing
To function or accomplish something as expected or required
A car that performs well on curves.
Workers not performing up to standard.
Performance
A presentation, especially a theatrical one, before an audience.
Performing
To yield a return on investment
Stocks that performed well.
Performance
Something performed; an accomplishment.
Performing
To portray a role or demonstrate a skill before an audience
The juggler performed atop a unicycle.
Performance
(Linguistics) One's actual use of language in actual situations.
Performing
To present a dramatic or musical work or other entertainment before an audience.
Performance
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.
Performing
Present participle of perform
Performance
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.
Performing
A performance.
Performance
(arts) 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.
Performing
The performance of a part or role in a drama
Performance
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.
Performance
(linguistics) 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.
Performance
The act of performing; the carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action; as, the performance of an undertaking of a duty.
Promises are not binding where the performance is impossible.
Performance
That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat; esp., an action of an elaborate or public character.
Performance
A dramatic or musical entertainment;
They listened to ten different performances
The play ran for 100 performances
The frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity
Performance
The act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it;
They criticised his performance as mayor
Experience generally improves performance
Performance
The act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment;
We congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsal
An inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto
Performance
Process or manner of functioning or operating;
The power of its engine determine its operation
The plane's operation in high winds
They compared the cooking performance of each oven
The jet's performance conformed to high standards
Performance
Any recognized accomplishment;
They admired his performance under stress
When Roger Maris powered four home runs in one game his performance merits awe
Common Curiosities
How does one evaluate a performance?
A performance is evaluated based on criteria like quality, impact, effectiveness, and audience reception, depending on the context.
How is "performance" used in a business context?
In business, "performance" refers to the effectiveness, outcomes, or results of a company’s operations or an individual’s contributions.
Is "performing" only related to live presentations?
While often associated with live presentations, "performing" can also refer to the execution of tasks in various contexts, not just live arts.
What is the difference between performing and performance?
"Performing" focuses on the act of executing or presenting, while "performance" refers to the execution itself, its quality, and its evaluation.
Can machines have a performance?
Yes, machines can have a performance, referring to their efficiency, effectiveness, or how well they perform assigned tasks.
What makes a good performance in the arts?
A good performance in the arts is characterized by skillful execution, emotional engagement, audience impact, and creativity.
Is a performance always planned?
While performances are often planned, especially in the arts, spontaneous or improvised performances can also occur, depending on the context.
Can "performing" apply to non-artistic tasks?
Yes, "performing" can apply to any act of doing something, including non-artistic tasks like performing duties or functions.
Does "performance" always involve an audience?
In the context of the arts, "performance" typically involves an audience, but in broader contexts, it can refer to outcomes or results without a live audience.
How can one improve their performing skills?
Improving performing skills often involves practice, training, feedback, and studying techniques or performances of skilled artists.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
