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play
- pronunciation:
- pleI
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
- phrases:
- bring into play, play it by ear, play it safe
- features:
- Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a composition written for the stage; drama.
- synonyms:
- drama
- similar words:
- comedy, melodrama, performance, photoplay, screenplay, show, skit, teleplay, theatrical, tragedy
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| definition 2: |
activity that is intended for relaxation or amusement.
- synonyms:
- amusement, entertainment, frolic, game, merrymaking, recreation, sport
- antonyms:
- work
- similar words:
- diversion, divertissement, fun, merriment, pastime, revelry, romp
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| definition 3: |
fun, jest, or wittiness.
remarks made in play- synonyms:
- fun, jest
- similar words:
- foolery, frivolity, joke, levity, sport
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| definition 4: |
general way of conducting oneself in a game.
Throughout the season his play was mediocre.- synonyms:
- performance
- similar words:
- execution
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| definition 5: |
a specific action in a game.
He made a wonderful play at third base.- synonyms:
- move
- similar words:
- double play, maneuver, save, score, setup, triple play
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| definition 6: |
an instance of gambling.
- synonyms:
- betting, gambling, gaming, wagering
- similar words:
- plunging
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| definition 7: |
unrestrained movement or action.
The steering wheel has too much play.- synonyms:
- action, give, looseness
- similar words:
- mobility, motion, movement, room
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| definition 8: |
liberty for unhindered action or thought.
the play of his mind- synonyms:
- breadth, latitude, scope
- similar words:
- amplitude, elbowroom, range
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| related words: |
amusement, ante, antic, dialogue, dodge, frolic, gag, gambol, game, leeway, margin, pageant |
| phrase: |
bring into play |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
played, playing, plays |
| definition 1: |
to act the part of in a drama.
He's playing Romeo in a new production of Shakespeare's play.- synonyms:
- act, enact, perform, personate, portray
- similar words:
- depict, impersonate, represent
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| definition 2: |
to act (a role) in real life.
She is playing the injured wife.- synonyms:
- act, affect, feign
- similar words:
- assume, overplay, pretend, sham
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| definition 3: |
to perform in (a place or places).
Our band played the midwest.- similar words:
- tour
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| definition 4: |
to take part in (a game or contest).
Let's play soccer.
- synonyms:
- compete in, participate in
- similar words:
- bow
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| definition 5: |
to make music with (an instrument).
- similar words:
- perform
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| definition 6: |
to manipulate for one's advantage (usu. fol. by off).
She played off her husband against her father.- synonyms:
- exploit, use
- similar words:
- manipulate
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| definition 7: |
to control (a hooked fish).
- similar words:
- reel
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| related words: |
chime, dally, phrase, pitch |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to engage in recreation; have fun.
- synonyms:
- disport, sport
- antonyms:
- work
- similar words:
- frolic, lark, recreate, romp
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| definition 2: |
to engage in a sport or game.
- synonyms:
- compete, sport
- similar words:
- participate, vie
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| definition 3: |
to behave in a specified way.
He doesn't play fair.- synonyms:
- conform
- similar words:
- behave, perform
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| definition 4: |
to make music with an instrument.
- similar words:
- improvise, jam, perform
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| definition 5: |
to make a toy of another; use another without due regard for his or her feelings.
He is simply playing with me.- synonyms:
- dally, trifle, try
- similar words:
- disport, fool, tease, toy
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| related words: |
act, antic, bet, chime, contest, dally, gambol, kid, make believe, phrase, pitch, romance, sport, tamper, toy, work |
| phrase: |
play it by ear |
| phrase: |
play it safe |
| derivations: |
playable (adj.), playlike (adj.) |
Word Builder: play +
- player:
a person who plays a game.
- playground:
a space where people play.
- playful:
not serious; wanting to play and have fun.
- playmate:
a friend with whom you play.
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See |
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art, communication, dog, energy, game, leisure, literature, music, pet, school, theater |
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