'performance' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'parfournir,' where 'par-' meant 'completely' and 'fournir' meant 'to furnish or provide.'

'parfournir' transformed into the Middle English word 'parfourmen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'perform.'

Initially, it meant 'to complete or accomplish something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to carry out an action or task.'