perform a play; pretend
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesverb
perform in a play; act on stage
formalRefers to traditional or stage performance work, neutral register.
He performed in a theater troupe when he was young, with superb acting skills.
This highlight play is performed by two veteran artists.
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During the Republican era, he made a living performing in major theaters in Shanghai.
This young actor performed on stage formally for the first time.
Peking opera performance emphasizes four core skills: singing, recitation, acting, and acrobatics.
verb
put on a show; pretend to be something one is not
informalCommonly used in spoken Chinese to describe insincere behavior, has mild derogatory connotation.
He is putting on a show in front of us, don't believe his smooth talk.
Stop pretending, everyone knows you don't care about this matter at all.
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This politician is putting on a show in front of cameras to win public sympathy.
His apology was totally a put-on, with no sincerity whatsoever.
Some people are good at putting on acts in the workplace to win favor from their bosses.