Many English words that have originated from other languages have often got us confused on 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 preform sounds like two similar words but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Perform vs Preform
The main 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 one means the formation of a particular shape beforehand.
The word Perform is used as a verb in the sentence. The simple past and past participle tense of the word is performed and the present participle form is performing. 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 it refers to any shape that is given to an object beforehand. But, the word also refers to shaping up the emotional capabilities. For example, Sanjay preformed his emotional thoughts before the jury.
Comparison Table Between Perform and Preform
| 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.
When using the word perform, it 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 it was originally derived from the Latin language.
Here are some of the examples on how to use the word preform in a sentence.
- Anita needed to preform the mold 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, perfourmer, 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).
Conclusion
Both perform and preform are commonly used English words with different origins. While the word perform was derived from the Old French language, the word preform on the other hand has its roots in the Latin language.
Both the words are used as verbs in the sentence but the adjective of the word perform, i.e., performable is also a popular word. Since they have different meanings, one needs to understand how each of the two words is applied in a particular sentence to make a meaningful conclusion.
References
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/440274
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/386731