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play

play

 
pronunciation:
pleI
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
bring into play, play along, play ball, play by ear, play down, play it by ear, play it safe, play out
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Builder, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a composition written for the stage; drama.
William Shakespeare is most famous for the many plays that he wrote for the stage.
synonyms:
drama
similar words:
comedy, melodrama, performance, photoplay, screenplay, show, skit, teleplay, theatrical, tragedy
definition 2: activity that is intended for relaxation or amusement.
Young children learn a great deal through play.
 
synonyms:
amusement, entertainment, frolic, game, merrymaking, recreation, sport
antonyms:
work
similar words:
diversion, divertissement, fun, merriment, pastime, revelry, romp
definition 3: fun, jest, or wittiness.
His remarks were made in play.
synonyms:
fun, jest
similar words:
foolery, frivolity, joke, levity, sport
definition 4: general way of conducting oneself in a game.
Throughout the season, the team's play was mediocre.
synonyms:
performance
similar words:
execution
definition 5: a specific action in a game.
The outfielder made a great play at third base.
synonyms:
move
similar words:
double play, maneuver, save, score, setup, triple play
definition 6: an instance of gambling.
synonyms:
betting, gambling, gaming, wagering
similar words:
plunging
definition 7: unrestrained movement or action.
The steering wheel has too much play.
synonyms:
action, give, looseness
similar words:
mobility, motion, movement, room
definition 8: liberty for unhindered action or thought.
the play of his mind
synonyms:
breadth, latitude, scope
similar words:
amplitude, elbowroom, range
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: bring into play
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: plays, playing, played
definition 1: to take part in (a game or contest).
Let's play soccer.
 
synonyms:
compete in, participate in
similar words:
bow
definition 2: to make music with (an instrument).
She plays the violin in the orchestra.
 
similar words:
perform
definition 3: to perform (a musical piece, tune, or the like) using an instrument.
He sat down at the piano and played a tune.She loves to play nocturnes by Chopin.He's going to play a cello solo in the upcoming concert.The partygoers wanted the band to play some fast songs.Please play us an encore.[verb + object + object ]
definition 4: to cause (a recording, recording device, or transmitting device) to produce sound or video for the purpose of listening or viewing.
Could you play the tape again, please?We couldn't play the DVD because it was cracked.I still play the radio in my car.
definition 5: to perform in (a place or places).
Our band played all the big cities.They knew they'd reached the big time when they played The Apollo.
similar words:
tour
definition 6: to act the part of in a drama.
He's playing Romeo in a new production of Shakespeare's tragedy.
 
synonyms:
act, enact, perform, personate, portray
similar words:
depict, impersonate, represent
definition 7: to act (a role) in real life.
She is playing the innocent victim again.
synonyms:
act, affect, feign
similar words:
assume, overplay, pretend, sham
definition 8: to manipulate for one's advantage (sometimes fol. by "against").
He's playing them against each other in order to take advantage of them both.Don't get too involved with her. She's just playing you.
synonyms:
exploit, use
similar words:
manipulate
definition 9: to control (a hooked fish).
similar words:
reel
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to engage in recreation; have fun.
The children played outside until it was dark.
 
synonyms:
disport, sport
antonyms:
work
similar words:
frolic, lark, recreate, romp
definition 2: to engage in a sport or game.
Who's playing in the Super Bowl this year?
synonyms:
compete, sport
similar words:
participate, vie
definition 3: to make music with an instrument.
I love the piano, but I can't play well.
similar words:
improvise, jam
definition 4: to behave in a specified way.
He doesn't play fair.
synonyms:
conform
similar words:
behave, perform
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
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: play along, play ball, play by ear, play down, play it by ear, play it safe, play out
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.
Word Explorer
See
  art, communication, dog, energy, game, instrument, leisure, literature, music, pet, school, theater