Play vs. Perform — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 21, 2024
"Play" often refers to engaging in an activity for enjoyment or to a theatrical production, while "perform" typically means to execute an action or present a form of entertainment.
Difference Between Play and Perform
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Play" generally implies engaging in an activity for fun or leisure. Children, for instance, often play games, which highlights the recreational aspect of the term. "Perform," on the other hand, suggests a more formal execution of a task, such as musicians performing a concert, indicating a professional or skillful presentation.
In a theatrical context, "play" can refer to the actual scripted drama or act, such as Shakespeare's plays. Actors who are in these plays perform their roles, emphasizing the execution and delivery of the character's actions and dialogues.
"Play" also involves spontaneity and creativity, often without a strict set of rules, like when children play pretend games. "Perform" is usually structured and goal-oriented, requiring preparation and practice, such as athletes performing in a competition.
While "play" can denote light-hearted activities, "perform" often implies an assessment or judgment, such as in performance reviews at work, where employees' tasks are evaluated.
In music, "play" can mean to produce sound from an instrument, like playing the piano. "Perform" in music indicates a public presentation of that skill, like performing at a concert.
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"Play" can extend to general leisure activities, such as playing sports, where enjoyment is primary. "Perform" in sports often relates to the execution and effectiveness of skills in a competitive context.
Comparison Chart
General Meaning
Engage in an activity for enjoyment
Execute an action or present entertainment
Theatrical Context
Scripted drama or act
Acting in a role within a play
Nature of Activity
Spontaneous and creative
Structured and goal-oriented
Professional Context
Light-hearted activities
Assessed or judged tasks
Musical Context
Producing sound from an instrument
Public presentation of musical skill
Compare with Definitions
Play
Engage in an activity for fun or leisure.
Children love to play in the park.
Perform
Execute an action or task.
She will perform the surgery tomorrow.
Play
Act in a theatrical production.
He will play Hamlet in the upcoming play.
Perform
Fulfill a duty or function.
The new employee performed well during the training.
Play
To occupy oneself in an activity for amusement or recreation
Children playing with toys.
Perform
Present a form of entertainment.
The band will perform at the festival.
Play
To take part in a sport or game
He's just a beginner and doesn't play well.
Perform
Act in a role on stage or in a film.
He performed the lead role in the play.
Play
To participate in betting; gamble.
Perform
Carry out, accomplish, or fulfil (an action, task, or function)
I have my duties to perform
Play
To behave in a teasing or joking manner; act in jest or sport
She's not angry with you.
She's just playing.
Perform
Present (a form of entertainment) to an audience
The play has already been performed in Britain
Play
To deal or behave carelessly or indifferently, especially for one's own amusement; toy
She isn't interested in you.
She's just playing with you.
Perform
To begin and carry through to completion; do
The surgeon performed the operation.
Play
To act or conduct oneself in a specified way
Play fair.
An investor who plays cautiously.
Perform
To take action in accordance with the requirements of; fulfill
Perform one's contractual obligations.
Play
To act, especially in a dramatic production.
Perform
To enact (a feat or role) before an audience.
Play
To perform on an instrument
Play on an accordion.
Perform
To give a public presentation of; present
My theater group performed a three-act play.
Play
To emit sound or be sounded in performance
The band is playing.
Perform
To function or accomplish something as expected or required
A car that performs well on curves.
Workers not performing up to standard.
Play
To be performed, as in a theater or on television
A good movie is playing tonight.
Perform
To yield a return on investment
Stocks that performed well.
Play
To be received or accepted
A speech that played poorly with the voters.
Perform
To portray a role or demonstrate a skill before an audience
The juggler performed atop a unicycle.
Play
To move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
The breeze played on the water.
Perform
To present a dramatic or musical work or other entertainment before an audience.
Play
To function or discharge uninterruptedly
The fountains played in the courtyard.
Perform
(transitive) To do (something); to execute.
The scientists performed several experiments.
It took him only twenty minutes to perform the task.
Play
To move or operate freely within a bounded space, as machine parts do.
Perform
(intransitive) To exhibit an expected pattern of behavior; to function; to work.
The new employee performs well.
Play
To engage in (a game or sport)
Play hockey.
Play chess.
Perform
(law) To act in a way set forth in a contract.
Play
To compete against in a game or sport
We play the Tigers today.
Perform
(transitive) To act in accordance with (a contract); to fulfill one’s terms of (a contract).
Failure to perform a contract on time may constitute a breach of contract.
Play
To compete in a game or sport at (a location)
The New York Yankees played Fenway Park last night.
Perform
(intransitive) To fulfill contractually agreed-to terms.
They entered into an agreement and now they are obliged to perform.
Play
To occupy or work at (a position) in a game
Lou Gehrig played first base.
Perform
(ambitransitive) To do (something) in front of an audience, such as acting or music, often in order to entertain.
She will perform in the play.
The magician performed badly—none of his tricks worked.
The string quartet performed three pieces by Haydn.
Play
To put (a player) at a position in a sport or in a game
Let's play her at first base.
Perform
To behave theatrically so as to give the impression of (a quality, character trait, etc.); to feign.
The accused only performed remorse.
Play
To use or move (a card or piece) in a game
Play the ace of clubs.
Perform
(social science) Of a social actor, to behave in certain ways.
Play
To hit (a ball, shot, or stroke), as in tennis
Played a strong backhand.
Perform
(transitive) To behave in accordance with, and thereby in turn shape, (a social notion or role).
Perform masculinity
Perform authority
Play
To attempt to keep or gain possession or control of
No foul was called because he was playing the ball.
Perform
(intransitive) To behave in ways that carry meaning in social contexts.
Individuals in societies perform all the time.
Play
To perform or act (a role or part) in a dramatic performance.
Perform
To carry through; to bring to completion; to achieve; to accomplish; to execute; to do.
I will cry unto God most high, unto God that performeth all things for me.
Great force to perform what they did attempt.
Play
To assume the role of; act as
Played the peacemaker at the meeting.
Perform
To discharge; to fulfill; to act up to; as, to perform a duty; to perform a promise or a vow.
To perform your father's will.
Play
To pretend to be; mimic the activities of
Played cowboy.
Played the star.
Perform
To represent; to act; to play; as in drama.
Perform a part thou hast not done before.
Play
To perform (a theatrical work or part of a work)
The actors played the scene with great skill.
Perform
To do, execute, or accomplish something; to acquit one's self in any business; esp., to represent sometimes by action; to act a part; to play on a musical instrument; as, the players perform poorly; the musician performs on the organ.
Play
To present a theatrical performance or other entertainment in (a given place)
The company played Boston last week.
Perform
Carry out or perform an action;
John did the painting, the weeding, and he cleaned out the gutters
The skater executed a triple pirouette
She did a little dance
Play
To bet; wager
Played ten dollars on the horse.
Perform
Perform a function;
Who will perform the wedding?
Play
To make bets on
Play the races.
Perform
Give a performance (of something);
Horowitz is performing at Carnegie Hall tonight
We performed a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera
Play
To perform or put into effect, especially as a jest or deception
Play a joke on a friend.
Perform
Get (something) done;
I did my job
Play
To handle; manage
Played the matter quietly.
Perform
Carry out a task in a skillful manner.
Athletes perform under great pressure.
Play
To use or manipulate, especially for one's own interests
Played his opponents against each other.
Play
To perform on (an instrument)
Play the guitar.
Play
To perform (a piece) on instruments or an instrument.
Play
To cause (a movie, audiotape, or other recording) to be presented in audible or visible form.
Play
To discharge or direct in a certain direction
Played the water on the burning roof.
Play
To cause to move rapidly, lightly, or irregularly
Play lights over the dance floor.
Play
To exhaust (a hooked fish) by allowing it to pull on the line.
Play
A literary work written for performance on the stage; a drama.
Play
The performance of such a work.
Play
Activity engaged in for enjoyment or recreation.
Play
Fun or jesting
It was all done in play.
Play
The act or manner of engaging in a game or sport
After a time-out, play resumed. The golf tournament featured expert play.
Play
The act or manner of using a card, piece, or ball in a game or sport
My partner's play of the last trump.
His clumsy play of the rebound.
Play
A move or an action in a game
It's your play. The runner was thrown out in a close play.
Play
Participation in betting; gambling.
Play
Manner of dealing with others; conduct
Fair play.
Play
An attempt to obtain something; a bid
A play for sympathy.
Play
Action, motion, or use
The play of the imagination.
Play
Freedom or occasion for action; scope
Give full play to an artist's talents.
Play
Movement or space for movement, as of mechanical parts.
Play
Quick, often irregular movement or action, especially of light or color
The play of color on iridescent feathers.
Play
A control mechanism on an audio or video player that starts or resumes the audible or visual presentation of a recording.
Play
A geological deposit, as of oil or natural gas, considered as a prospect for commercial extraction.
Play
(intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
They played long and hard.
Play
To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
He plays on three teams
Who's playing now?
Play football
Play sports
Play games
Play
(transitive) To compete against, in a game.
We're playing one of the top teams in the next round.
Play
(transitive) (in the scoring of games and sports) To be the opposing score to.
Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!
Play
(intransitive) To take part in amorous activity; to make love.
Play
To gamble.
Play
(transitive) To act as the indicated role, especially in a performance.
He plays the King, and she’s the Queen.
No part of the brain plays the role of permanent memory.
Play
To produce music or theatre.
Play
To produce music.
Play
To produce music using a musical instrument.
I've practiced the piano off and on, but I still can't play very well.
Play
To produce music (or a specified song or musical style) using (a specified musical instrument).
I'll play the piano and you sing.
Can you play an instrument?
We especially like to play jazz together.
Play a song for me.
Do you know how to play Für Elise?
My son thinks he can play music.
Play
To use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording.
You can play the DVD now.
Play
To be performed; to be shown.
His latest film is playing in the local theatre tomorrow.
Play
To perform in or at; to give performances in or at.
Play
(transitive) To act or perform (a play).
To play a comedy
Play
(multiple senses) To behave in a particular way.
Play
(copulative) Contrary to fact, to give an appearance of being.
Play
(intransitive) To act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless.
Play
(intransitive) To act; to behave; to practice deception.
Play
(transitive) To bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in action; to execute.
To play tricks
Play
To kid; to joke; say something for amusement.
Play
To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate.
The fountain plays.
He played the torch beam around the room.
Play
(intransitive) To move to and fro.
Play
(transitive) To put in action or motion.
To play cannon upon a fortification
To play a trump in a card game
Play
(transitive) To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
Play
To manipulate, deceive, or swindle someone.
You played me!
Play
Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Children learn through play.
Play
(uncountable) Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
Play
(uncountable) The conduct, or course, of a game.
Play was very slow in the first half.
After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
The game was abandoned after 20 minutes' play
Play
(uncountable) An individual's performance in a sport or game.
His play has improved a lot this season.
Play
(countable) A short sequence of action within a game.
That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
Play
An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
Play
(countable) A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
Play
(countable) A theatrical performance featuring actors.
We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
Play
(countable) An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
Turpin signals the Metric Party's long-term play for housing reform
Play
(countable) A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
Play
(uncountable) Movement (of a pattern of light etc.)
The play of light and shadow across the boy's face
Play
(uncountable) The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
Too much play in a steering wheel may be dangerous.
Play
Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
Play
(countable) An instance of watching or listening to digital media.
Play
(countable) A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
Play
Activity relating to martial combat or fighting.
Play
To engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot.
As Cannace was playing in her walk.
The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day,Had he thy reason, would he skip and play!
And some, the darlings of their Lord,Play smiling with the flame and sword.
Play
To act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless.
"Nay," quod this monk, "I have no lust to pleye."
Men are apt to play with their healths.
Play
To contend, or take part, in a game; as, to play ball; hence, to gamble; as, he played for heavy stakes.
Play
To perform on an instrument of music; as, to play on a flute.
One that . . . can play well on an instrument.
Play, my friend, and charm the charmer.
Play
To act; to behave; to practice deception.
His mother played false with a smith.
Play
To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate; to act; as, the fountain plays.
The heart beats, the blood circulates, the lungs play.
Play
To move gayly; to wanton; to disport.
Even as the waving sedges play with wind.
The setting sunPlays on their shining arms and burnished helmets.
All fame is foreign but of true desert,Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart.
Play
To act on the stage; to personate a character.
A lord will hear your play to-night.
Courts are theaters where some men play.
Art thou alive?Or is it fantasy that plays upon our eyesight.
Play
To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a fortification; to play a trump.
First Peace and Silence all disputes control,Then Order plays the soul.
Play
To perform music upon; as, to play the flute or the organ.
Play
To perform, as a piece of music, on an instrument; as, to play a waltz on the violin.
Play
To bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in action; to execute; as, to play tricks.
Nature hereWantoned as in her prime, and played at willHer virgin fancies.
Play
To act or perform (a play); to represent in music action; as, to play a comedy; also, to act in the character of; to represent by acting; to simulate; to behave like; as, to play King Lear; to play the woman.
Thou canst play the rational if thou wilt.
Play
To engage in, or go together with, as a contest for amusement or for a wager or prize; as, to play a game at baseball.
Play
To keep in play, as a hooked fish, in order to land it.
Play
Amusement; sport; frolic; gambols.
Play
Any exercise, or series of actions, intended for amusement or diversion; a game.
John naturally loved rough play.
Play
The act or practice of contending for victory, amusement, or a prize, as at dice, cards, or billiards; gaming; as, to lose a fortune in play.
Play
Action; use; employment; exercise; practice; as, fair play; sword play; a play of wit.
Play
A dramatic composition; a comedy or tragedy; a composition in which characters are represented by dialogue and action.
A play ought to be a just image of human nature.
Play
The representation or exhibition of a comedy or tragedy; as, he attends ever play.
Play
Performance on an instrument of music.
Play
Motion; movement, regular or irregular; as, the play of a wheel or piston; hence, also, room for motion; free and easy action.
The joints are let exactly into one another, that they have no play between them.
Play
Hence, liberty of acting; room for enlargement or display; scope; as, to give full play to mirth.
I, with two more to help me,Will hold the foe in play.
Play
A dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage;
He wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
Play
A theatrical performance of a drama;
The play lasted two hours
Play
A preset plan of action in team sports;
The coach drew up the plays for her team
Play
A deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill;
He made a great maneuver
The runner was out on a play by the shortstop
Play
A state in which action is feasible;
The ball was still in play
Insiders said the company's stock was in play
Play
Utilization or exercise;
The play of the imagination
Play
An attempt to get something;
They made a futile play for power
He made a bid to gain attention
Play
Play by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules;
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
Play
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds;
Rain stopped play in the 4th inning
Play
The removal of constraints;
He gave free rein to his impulses
They gave full play to the artist's talent
Play
A weak and tremulous light;
The shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
The play of light on the water
Play
Verbal wit (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously);
He became a figure of fun
Play
Movement or space for movement;
There was too much play in the steering wheel
Play
Gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement;
It was all done in play
Their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
Play
The act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize);
His gambling cost him a fortune
There was heavy play at the blackjack table
Play
The activity of doing something in an agreed succession;
It is my turn
It is still my play
Play
The act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
Play
Participate in games or sport;
We played hockey all afternoon
Play cards
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
Play
Act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome;
This factor played only a minor part in his decision
This development played into her hands
I played no role in your dismissal
Play
Play on an instrument;
The band played all night long
Play
Play a role or part;
Gielgud played Hamlet
She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
She played the servant to her husband's master
Play
Be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children;
The kids were playing outside all day
I used to play with trucks as a little girl
Play
Replay (as a melody);
Play it again, Sam
She played the third movement very beautifully
Play
Perform music on (a musical instrument);
He plays the flute
Can you play on this old recorder?
Play
Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind;
He acted the idiot
She plays deaf when the news are bad
Play
Move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly;
The spotlights played on the politicians
Play
Bet or wager (money);
He played $20 on the new horse
She plays the races
Play
Engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion;
On weekends I play
The students all recreate alike
Play
Pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity;
Let's play like I am mommy
Play cowboy and Indians
Play
Emit recorded sound;
The tape was playing for hours
The stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
Play
Perform on a certain location;
The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
She has been playing on Broadway for years
Play
Put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game;
He is playing his cards close to his chest
The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
Play
Engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously;
They played games on their opponents
Play the stockmarket
Play with her feelings
Toy with an idea
Play
Behave in a certain way;
Play safe
Play it safe
Play fair
Play
Cause to emit recorded sounds;
They ran the tapes over and over again
Can you play my favorite record?
Play
Manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination;
She played nervously with her wedding ring
Don't fiddle with the screws
He played with the idea of running for the Senate
Play
Use to one's advantage;
She plays on her clients' emotions
Play
Consider not very seriously;
He is trifling with her
She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
Play
Be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way;
This speech didn't play well with the American public
His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
Play
Behave carelessly or indifferently;
Play about with a young girl's affection
Play
Cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space;
The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
Play
Perform on a stage or theater;
She acts in this play
He acted in `Julius Caesar'
I played in `A Christmas Carol'
Play
Be performed;
What's playing in the local movie theater?
`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
Play
Cause to happen or to occur as a consequence;
I cannot work a miracle
Wreak havoc
Bring comments
Play a joke
The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
Play
Discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream;
Play water from a hose
The fountains played all day
Play
Make bets;
Play the reaces
Play the casinos in Trouville
Play
Stake on the outcome of an issue;
I bet $100 on that new horse
She played all her money on the dark horse
Play
Shoot or hit in a particular manner;
She played a good backhand last night
Play
Use or move;
I had to play my queen
Play
Employ in a game or in a specific position;
They played him on first base
Play
Contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle;
Princeton plays Yale this weekend
Charlie likes to play Mary
Play
Exhaust by allowing to pull on the line;
Play a hooked fish
Play
Perform music on an instrument.
She can play the guitar beautifully.
Play
Take part in a sport.
They play soccer every weekend.
Play
Engage in imaginative or pretend activities.
The kids like to play house.
Common Curiosities
Can "play" refer to a theatrical production?
Yes, "play" can refer to a scripted drama or act.
Is "perform" used in a professional context?
Yes, "perform" often implies a professional or skillful execution of a task.
Does "perform" imply assessment?
Yes, "perform" often implies an evaluation of how well a task is executed.
Can "play" be spontaneous?
Yes, "play" is often spontaneous and creative.
Can musicians both play and perform?
Yes, musicians play instruments and perform at concerts.
Do actors play or perform roles?
Actors perform roles in plays or films.
What is the main difference between "play" and "perform"?
"Play" often refers to engaging in an activity for enjoyment, whereas "perform" means executing an action or presenting entertainment.
Do children play or perform games?
Children typically play games, as it implies fun and leisure.
Is "play" used in sports?
Yes, "play" is commonly used to describe participating in sports.
Is "play" associated with leisure?
Yes, "play" is closely associated with leisure and enjoyment.
Is "perform" more structured than "play"?
Yes, "perform" typically involves preparation and structure.
Can "perform" refer to fulfilling duties?
Yes, "perform" can mean fulfilling duties or functions.
Can "perform" mean acting on stage?
Yes, "perform" includes acting on stage or in films.
Is "play" ever used in a professional context?
Rarely, as "play" generally implies a more casual activity.
Do athletes perform in competitions?
Yes, athletes perform in competitions, emphasizing skill execution.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
