perform vs act

perform is not a noun while act is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
perform	No	No	Yes	No
act	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, act is a hyponym of perform; that is, act is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than perform:

As verbs, act is a hypernym of perform; that is, act is a word with a broader meaning than perform:

Other hypernyms of perform include move.

perform (noun)	act (noun)
	something that people do or cause to happen
	a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
	a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
	a short performance that is part of a longer program
	a manifestation of insincerity

perform (verb)	act (verb)
carry out or perform an action	behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
give a performance (of something)	pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
get (something) done	discharge one's duties
perform a function	play a role or part
	perform on a stage or theater
	behave unnaturally or affectedly
	perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
	have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected
	be suitable for theatrical performance