HyperDic: play

English > 52 senses of the word play:
VERBcompetitionplayparticipate in games / games or sport
socialplayact or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
creationplayplay on an instrument
creationplay, act, representplay a role or part
socialplaybe at play
creationplay, spielreplay (as a melody)
creationplayperform music on (a musical instrument)
bodyplay, act, act aspretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
motionplaymove or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
competitionplaybet or wager (money)
socialplay, recreateengage in recreational activities rather than work
creationplaypretend to be somebody in the framework of a game / game or playful activity
creationplayemit recorded sound
creationplayperform on a certain location
competitionplayput (a card or piece) into play during a game / game / game, or act strategically as if in a card game
bodyplay, toyengage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
socialplaybehave in a certain way
creationplay, runcause to emit recorded audio or video
contactplay, toy, fiddle, diddlemanipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
consumptionplayuse to one's advantage
cognitionplay, dally, trifleconsider not very seriously
stativeplaybe received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
socialplay, dally, toy, flirtbehave carelessly or indifferently
motionplaycause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
creationplay, act, roleplay, playactperform on a stage or theater
creationplaybe performed or presented for public viewing
creationplay, bring, work, wreak, make forcause to happen / happen or to occur as a consequence
contactplaydischarge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
competitionplaymake bets
competitionplay, bet, wagerstake on the outcome of an issue
competitionplayshoot or hit in a particular manner
competitionplayuse or move
competitionplayemploy in a game / game or in a specific position
competitionplay, meet, encounter, take oncontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle
bodyplayexhaust by allowing to pull on the line
NOUNcommunicationplay, drama, dramatic playa dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
communicationplaya theatrical performance of a drama / drama
actplaya preset plan of action in team sports
actplay, maneuver, manoeuvrea deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
stateplaya state in which action is feasible
actplayutilization or exercise
actplay, bidan attempt to get something
actplay, child's playactivity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
timeplay, playing period, period of play(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
stateplay, free reinthe removal of constraints / constraints
eventplay, shimmera weak and tremulous light
communicationplay, fun, sportverbal / verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
attributeplay, loosenessmovement or space for movement
actplay, frolic, romp, gambol, capergay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
actplay, turn(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession / succession
actplay, gambling, gamingthe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
actplay, swordplaythe act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
play > pronunciation
Soundspley'
RhymesAAA ... waylay: 40 rhymes with ley...
English > play: 52 senses > noun 1, communication
MeaningA dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage.
Example"he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway"
Synonymsdrama, dramatic play
CategorydramaThe literary genre of works intended for the theater
PartsactA subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
stage directionAn instruction written as part of the script of a play
NarrowerGrand GuignolA play of a macabre or horrific nature
Passion playA play representing the Passion of Christ
miracle playA medieval play representing episodes from the life of a saint or martyr / martyr
morality playAn allegorical play popular in the 15th and 16th centuries
mystery playA medieval play representing episodes from the life of Christ
playletA short / short play
satyr playAn ancient Greek burlesque with a chorus of satyrs
theater of the absurdPlays stressing the irrational or illogical aspects of life, usually to show that modern life is pointless
Broaderdramatic composition, dramatic workA play for performance on the stage or television or in a movie etc.
Spanishdrama, obra teatral
Catalandrama
Nounsplayleta short / short play
Verbsplayplay a role or part
playperform on a certain location
playbe performed or presented for public viewing
playperform on a stage or theater
English > play: 52 senses > noun 2, communication
MeaningA theatrical performance of a drama / drama.
Example"the play lasted two hours"
Narrowercurtain raiserA short / short play presented before the main play
musical, musical comedy, musical theaterA play or film whose action and dialogue is interspersed with singing and dancing
BroadershowA social event involving a public performance or entertainment
Spanishobra
Catalanobra
Nounsplayleta short / short play
Verbsplayplay a role or part
playperform on a certain location
playbe performed or presented for public viewing
playperform on a stage or theater
English > play: 52 senses > noun 3, act
MeaningA preset plan of action in team sports.
Example"the coach drew up the plays for her team"
Narrowerbasketball playA play executed by a basketball team
football play(American football) a play by the offensive team
knock on(rugby) knocking the ball forward while trying to catch it (a foul)
power play(ice hockey) a play in which one team has a numerical advantage over the other as a result of penalties
razzle-dazzle, razzle, razzmatazz, razmatazAny exciting and complex play intended to confuse (dazzle / dazzle) the opponent
Broaderplan of actionA plan for actively doing something
Spanishjugada
Catalanjugada, plan
Verbsplayparticipate in games / games or sport
playemploy in a game / game or in a specific position
playuse or move
English > play: 52 senses > noun 4, act
MeaningA deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill.
Example "the runner was out on a play by the shortstop"
Synonymsmaneuver, manoeuvre
Part ofathletic gameA game / game involving athletic activity
Narrowerassist(sports) the act of enabling another player to make a good play
ball hawkingA skillful maneuver in catching balls or in stealing the ball from the opposing team
baseball play(baseball) a play executed by a baseball team
completion, pass completion(American football) a successful forward pass in football
figureA predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating
footworkThe manner of using the feet
icing, icing the puck(ice hockey) the act of shooting the puck from within your own defensive area the length of the rink beyond the opponent's goal
juggleryThe performance of a juggler
mousetrap, trap play(American football) a play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then blocked off as the runner goes through the place the lineman vacated
obstructionGetting in someone's way
safety blitz, linebacker blitzing, blitz(American football) defensive players try to break through the offensive line
stroke, shot(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
takeawayThe act of taking the ball or puck away from the team on the offense (as by the interception of a pass)
Broadermotion, movement, moveThe act of changing location from one place to another
Spanishmaniobra
Catalanmaniobra
Verbsplayshoot or hit in a particular manner
playuse to one's advantage
English > play: 52 senses > noun 5, state
MeaningA state in which action is feasible.
Examples
  • "the ball was still in play"
  • "insiders said the company's stock was in play"
Broaderaction, activity, activenessThe state of being active
Spanishjuego
Verbsplayact or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
English > play: 52 senses > noun 6, act
Meaningutilization or exercise.
Example"the play of the imagination"
Broaderuse, usage, utilization, utilisation, employment, exerciseThe act of using
Spanishobra
Verbsplayact or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
English > play: 52 senses > noun 7, act
MeaningAn attempt to get something.
Example"they made a futile play for power"
Synonymbid
Broaderattempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, tryearnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish / accomplish something
English > play: 52 senses > noun 8, act
MeaningActivity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules.
Example"Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child"
Synonymchild's play
Narrowerdoctorchildren take the roles of physician or patient or nurse and pretend they are at the physician's office
firemanPlay in which children pretend to put out a fire
housePlay in which children take the roles of father or mother or children and pretend to interact like adults
Broaderdiversion, recreationAn activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates / stimulates
Spanishjuego de niños
Catalanjoc de nens
Verbsplaybe at play
English > play: 52 senses > noun 9, time
Meaning(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds.
Example"rain stopped play in the 4th inning"
Synonymsplaying period, period of play
CategorygameA contest with rules to determine a winner
Part ofathletic gameA game / game involving athletic activity
Partschukker, chukka(polo) one of six divisions into which a polo match is divided
final periodThe final division into which the play of a game is divided
first periodThe first division into which the play of a game is divided
halfOne of two divisions into which some games / games or performances are divided
inning, frame(baseball) one of nine divisions of play during which each team has a turn at bat
over(cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
period(ice hockey) one of three divisions into which play is divided in hockey games
quarter(football, professional basketball) one of four divisions into which some games / games are divided
second periodThe second division into which the play of a game is divided
turn, bout, round(sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive
Narrowerhole, golf holeOne playing period (from tee to green) on a golf course
setA unit of play in tennis or squash
Broadermeasure, quantity, amountHow much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
Verbsplayparticipate in games / games or sport
playcontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle
English > play: 52 senses > noun 10, state
MeaningThe removal of constraints / constraints.
Example "they gave full play to the artist's talent"
Synonymfree rein
BroaderfreedomThe condition of being free
English > play: 52 senses > noun 11, event
MeaningA weak and tremulous light.
Example "the play of light on the water"
Synonymshimmer
Broaderchange, alteration, modificationAn event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
Spanishreflejo, reverbero
Catalanreflex
Verbsplaymove or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
English > play: 52 senses > noun 12, communication
Meaningverbal / verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously).
Synonymsfun, sport
Narrowerdrollery, clowning, comedy, funninessA comic incident or series of incidents
jocosity, jocularityfun characterized by humor
pun, punning, wordplay, paronomasiaA humorous play on words
waggery, waggishnesswaggish behavior
Broaderwit, humor, humour, witticism, wittinessA message whose ingenuity / ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
Spanishcachondeo, coña, guasa
Catalanbefa, broma, conya
English > play: 52 senses > noun 13, attribute
Meaningmovement or space for movement.
Example"there was too much play in the steering wheel"
Synonymlooseness
Narrowerslack, slacknessThe quality of being loose (not taut)
wigglinessA jerky back and forth kind of mobility
Broadermovability, movablenessThe quality of being movable / movable
Oppositetightness, tautnesslack of movement or room for movement
Spanishamplitud, holgura, soltura
Catalanamplitud, deseiximent, folga, folgança, soltesa
Verbsplaycause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
English > play: 52 senses > noun 14, act
Meaninggay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement.
Example"it was all done in play"
Synonymsfrolic, romp, gambol, caper
Narrowerflirt, flirting, flirtation, coquetry, dalliance, toyingplayful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
folly, foolery, tomfoolery, craziness, lunacy, indulgencefoolish or senseless behavior
gamefrivolous or trifling behavior
horseplayrowdy or boisterous play
teasingplayful vexation
word playPlaying on words or speech sounds
Broaderdiversion, recreationAn activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates / stimulates
Spanishretozar, retozo, travesura
Catalanentremaliadura
Verbsplayengage in recreational activities rather than work
playbe at play
English > play: 52 senses > noun 15, act
Meaning(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession / succession.
Example "it is still my play"
Synonymturn
CategorygameA contest with rules to determine a winner
NarrowerattackAn offensive move in a sport or game / game / game
bat, at-bat(baseball) a turn trying to get a hit
down(American football) a complete play to advance the football
inningsThe batting turn of a cricket player or team
leadThe playing of a card to start a trick in bridge
move(game) a player's turn to take some action permitted by the rules of the game
ruff, trumping(card games) the act of taking a trick with a trump when unable to follow suit
start, startingA turn to be a starter (in a game / game / game at the beginning)
trick(card games) in a single round, the sequence of cards played by all the players
BroaderactivityAny specific behavior
Catalantorn
English > play: 52 senses > noun 16, act
MeaningThe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize).
Example "there was heavy play at the blackjack table"
Synonymsgambling, gaming
Narrowerbet, wagerThe act of gambling
game of chance, gambling gameA game / game that involves gambling
sporting lifeactive interest in gambling on sports events
throwCasting an object in order to determine an outcome randomly
Broaderdiversion, recreationAn activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates / stimulates
viceA specific form of evildoing
Spanishapuesta, juego
Catalanaposta, joc d'aposta, joc
Verbsplaybet or wager (money)
playput (a card or piece) into play during a game / game / game, or act strategically as if in a card game
playmake bets
playstake on the outcome of an issue
English > play: 52 senses > noun 17, act
MeaningThe act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully.
Synonymswordplay
NarrowerfencingThe art or sport of fighting with swords (especially the use of foils or epees or sabres to score points under a set of rules)
BroaderactionSomething done (usually as opposed to something said)
English > play: 52 senses > verb 1, competition
Meaningparticipate in games / games or sport.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s something
Examples
  • "We played hockey all afternoon"
  • "play cards"
  • "Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches"
Entailed bymove, goHave a turn
tie, drawFinish a game / game / game with an equal number of points, goals, etc.
NarroweracePlay (a hole) in one stroke
backstopact as a backstop
bandytoss or strike a ball back and forth
bid, callmake a demand, as for a card or a suit or a show of hands
bowlEngage in the sport of bowling
catchBe the catcher
complete, nailcomplete a pass
cradleRun with the stick
cricketPlay cricket
croquetPlay a game / game in which players hit a wooden ball through a series of hoops
curlPlay the Scottish game / game of curling
developMove into a strategically more advantageous position
developMove one's pieces into strategically more advantageous positions
dieTo be on base at the end of an inning, of a player
exitLose the lead
face off, bully offstart a game / game / game by a face-off
fieldPlay as a fielder / fielder
foulcommit a foul
fullbackPlay the fullback
fumbleDrop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder
gamblePlay games / games for money
golfPlay golf
line upTake one's position before a kick-off
misplayPlay wrong or in an unskillful manner
play outPlay to a finish
put outRetire
putthit a putt
quarterbackPlay the quarterback
replayPlay again
revokefail to follow suit when able and required to do so
snookerLeave one's opponent unable to take a direct shot
startPlay in the starting lineup
tee offstrike a ball from the teeing ground at the start of a hole
teeter-totter, teetertotter, seesawride on a plank
unblockPlay the cards of (a suit) so that the last trick on which a hand can follow suit will be taken by a higher card in the hand of a partner who has the remaining cards of a combined holding
volleymake a volley
walkGive a base on balls to
Broadercompete, vie, contendcompete for something
See alsoplay outplay to a finish
Similar tomeet, encounter, play, take oncontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle
Spanishjugar, tocar
Catalanjugar, tocar
Participleplayed(of games / games / games) engaged in
Nounsplaya preset plan of action in team sports
play(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
playera person who participates in or is skilled at some game / game
playingthe action of taking part in a game / game / game or sport or other recreation
English > play: 52 senses > verb 2, social
MeaningAct or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome.
PatternSomebody ----s something; Something ----s something
Examples
  • "This factor played only a minor part in his decision"
  • "This development played into her hands"
  • "I played no role in your dismissal"
Broaderact, movePerform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
Similar toplayBehave in a certain way
Nounsplayutilization or exercise
playa state in which action is feasible
English > play: 52 senses > verb 3, creation
MeaningPlay on an instrument.
PatternSomething ----s; Somebody ----s
ModelSam and Sue play
Example"The band played all night long"
CategorymusicAn artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
NarrowerbowPlay on a string instrument with a bow
buskPlay music in a public place and solicit money for it
play along, accompany, followPerform an accompaniment to
sound off, strike upstart playing
swingPlay with a subtle and intuitively felt sense of rhythm
symphonize, symphonisePlay or sound together, in harmony / harmony
BroaderperformGive a performance (of something)
Similar toplay, spielreplay (as a melody)
playPerform music on (a musical instrument)
Spanishjugar, tocar
Catalanjugar, representar, tocar
Nounsplayersomeone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)
playingthe act of playing a musical instrument
English > play: 52 senses > verb 4, creation
MeaningPlay a role or part.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s something; Somebody ----s somebody
Examples
  • "Gielgud played Hamlet"
  • "She played the servant to her husband's master"
Synonymsact, represent
Categoryperforming artsarts or skills that require public performance
Entailed byenterCome on stage
Narroweract outrepresent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage
emoteGive expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
enact, reenact, act outact out
impersonate, portrayassume or act the character of
make, pretend, make believerepresent fictitiously, as in a play, or pretend to be or act like
parodymake a spoof of or make fun of
supportPlay a subordinate role to (another performer)
Broaderre-createcreate anew
Similar toact, play, act aspretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
act, play, roleplay, playactPerform on a stage or theater
playpretend to be somebody in the framework of a game / game or playful activity
Spanishinterpretar, jugar, representar, tocar
Catalanjugar, representar, tocar
Nounsplaya dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
playa theatrical performance of a drama / drama
playera theatrical performer
playingthe performance of a part or role in a drama
English > play: 52 senses > verb 5, social
MeaningBe at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children.
PatternSomebody ----s
Examples
  • "The kids were playing outside all day"
  • "I used to play with trucks as a little girl"
Narrowerdabble, paddle, splash aroundPlay in or as if in water, as of small children
frolic, lark, rollick, skylark, disport, sport, cavort, gambol, frisk, romp, run around, lark aboutPlay boisterously
horse around, arse around, fool around, foolindulge in horseplay
roughhouseEngage in rough or disorderly play
BroaderactBe engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
Similar toplay, recreateEngage in recreational activities rather than work
Spanishjugar
Catalanjugar
Nounsplaygay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
playactivity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
playingthe action of taking part in a game / game / game or sport or other recreation
English > play: 52 senses > verb 6, creation
Meaningreplay (as a melody).
PatternSomebody ----s something
ModelThey will play the duet
Examples
  • "Play it again, Sam"
  • "She played the third movement very beautifully"
Synonymspiel
Entailed bypedaloperate the pedals on a keyboard instrument
Narrowerbang outPlay loudly
buglePlay on a bugle
fiddlePlay on a violin
jazzPlay something in the style of jazz
misplayPlay incorrectly, e.g., play a wrong note
modulatechange the key of, in music
preludePlay as a prelude
ragPlay in ragtime
replayPlay (a melody) again
reprise, reprize, repeat, recapitulaterepeat an earlier theme of a composition
riffPlay riffs
slurPlay smoothly or legato
tonguearticulate by tonguing, as when playing wind instruments
Broaderre-createcreate anew
Similar toplayPlay on an instrument
Spanishejecutar, hablar largamente, interpretar, jugar, tocar
Catalanexecutar, interpretar, jugar, tocar
Nounsplayingthe act of playing a musical instrument
English > play: 52 senses > verb 7, creation
MeaningPerform music on (a musical instrument).
PatternSomebody ----s something
Examples
  • "He plays the flute"
  • "Can you play on this old recorder?"
Categorymusicmusical activity (singing / singing / singing or whistling etc.)
musicAn artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
Narrowerbeatproduce a rhythm by striking repeatedly
chordPlay chords on (a string instrument)
clarionblow the clarion
drumPlay a percussion instrument
fiddlePlay the violin or fiddle
harpPlay the harp
pipePlay on a pipe
registermanipulate the registers of an organ
skirlPlay the bagpipes
trumpetPlay or blow on the trumpet
tweedlePlay negligently on a musical instrument
BroadersoundCause to sound
Similar toplayPlay on an instrument
Spanishaprovecharse de, jugar, tocar
Catalanjugar, representar, tocar
Nounsplayingthe act of playing a musical instrument
English > play: 52 senses > verb 8, body
Meaningpretend to have certain qualities or state of mind.
PatternSomebody ----s somebody
Example "She plays deaf when the news are bad"
Synonymsact, act as
Broaderact, behave, doBehave in a certain manner
Similar toact, behave, doBehave in a certain manner
act, play, representPlay a role or part
Spanishcomportarse, hacer ver, simular
Catalanfer veure, portar-se, simular
English > play: 52 senses > verb 9, motion
MeaningMove or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly.
PatternSomething is ----ing PP
Example"The spotlights played on the politicians"
Broadertravel, go, move, locomotechange location
Spanishjugar
Nounsplaya weak and tremulous light
English > play: 52 senses > verb 10, competition
Meaningbet or wager (money).
PatternSomebody ----s something
Examples
  • "He played $20 on the new horse"
  • "She plays the races"
NarrowerunderplayPlay a card lower than (a held high card)
BroadergamblePlay games / games for money
Similar toplaymake bets
Spanishjugarse
Nounsplaythe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
English > play: 52 senses > verb 11, social
MeaningEngage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion.
PatternSomebody ----s
Example"On weekends I play"
Synonymrecreate
Similar toplayBe at play
Spanishdivertirse, entretenerse, recrearse
Catalandivertir-se, entretenir-se, esbargir-se
Nounsplaygay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
playingthe action of taking part in a game / game / game or sport or other recreation
English > play: 52 senses > verb 12, creation
Meaningpretend to be somebody in the framework of a game / game or playful activity.
PatternSomebody ----s something; Somebody ----s somebody; Somebody ----s that CLAUSE
Examples
  • "Let's play like I am mommy"
  • "Play cowboy and Indians"
Broadersimulate, assume, sham, feignmake a pretence of
Similar toact, play, representPlay a role or part
Spanishhacer de
English > play: 52 senses > verb 13, creation
Meaningemit recorded sound.
PatternSomething ----s; Something ----s something
Examples
  • "The tape was playing for hours"
  • "the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered"
Broadersoundgive ... / give off a certain sound or sounds
Similar toplay, runCause to emit recorded audio or video
Spanishjugar, tocar
Catalanjugar, tocar
English > play: 52 senses > verb 14, creation
MeaningPerform on a certain location.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Examples
  • "The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16"
  • "She has been playing on Broadway for years"
Categoryperforming artsarts or skills that require public performance
BroaderperformGive a performance (of something)
Similar toact, play, roleplay, playactPerform on a stage or theater
Spanishtocar
Nounsplaya dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
playa theatrical performance of a drama / drama
English > play: 52 senses > verb 15, competition
Meaningput (a card or piece) into play during a game / game / game, or act strategically as if in a card game.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Examples
  • "He is playing his cards close to his chest"
  • "The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory"
NarrowercoverPlay a higher card than the one previously played
declaredesignate (a trump suit or no-trump) with the final bid of a hand
pitchLead (a card) and establish the trump suit
Broaderdeployplace troops / troops or weapons in battle formation
Similar toplayemploy in a game / game or in a specific position
playUse or move
Spanishponer en juego
Catalanposar en joc
Nounsplaythe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
English > play: 52 senses > verb 16, body
MeaningEngage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Examples
  • "They played games on their opponents"
  • "play the stock market"
  • "play with her feelings"
Synonymtoy
Broaderact, behave, doBehave in a certain manner
Spanishjugar
Catalanjugar
Nounsplayingthe action of taking part in a game / game / game or sport or other recreation
English > play: 52 senses > verb 17, social
MeaningBehave in a certain way.
PatternSomebody ----s; Something ----s something Adjective/Noun; Somebody ----s Adjective
Examples
  • "play safe"
  • "play it safe"
  • "play fair"
Broaderact, movePerform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
Similar toplayAct or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
English > play: 52 senses > verb 18, creation
MeaningCause to emit recorded audio or video.
PatternSomebody ----s something; Something ----s something
ModelSam and Sue play the movie
Examples
  • "I'll play you my favorite record"
  • "He never tires of playing that video"
Synonymrun
Similar toplayemit recorded sound
runCause to perform
run, executecarry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine
Spanishjugar, poner, tocar
Catalanjugar, posar, tocar
English > play: 52 senses > verb 19, contact
Meaningmanipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination.
PatternSomebody ----s PP
Examples
  • "She played nervously with her wedding ring"
  • "He played with the idea of running for the Senate"
Synonymstoy, fiddle, diddle
Narrowerput out, retireCause to be out on a fielding play
Broadermanipulatehold something in one's hands and move it
Spanishjugar, juguetear
English > play: 52 senses > verb 20, consumption
MeaningUse to one's advantage.
PatternSomebody ----s PP
Example"She plays on her clients' emotions"
Broaderexploit, workUse or manipulate to one's advantage
Nounsplaya deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
English > play: 52 senses > verb 21, cognition
MeaningConsider not very seriously.
PatternSomebody ----s PP
ModelSam wants to play with Sue
Example "She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania"
Synonymsdally, trifle
Broaderconsider, take, deal, look atTake into consideration for exemplifying purposes
Similar todally, toy, play, flirtBehave carelessly or indifferently
English > play: 52 senses > verb 22, stative
MeaningBe received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way.
PatternSomebody ----s
Examples
  • "This speech didn't play well with the American public"
  • "His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee"
Spanishinterpretar
Catalaninterpretar
English > play: 52 senses > verb 23, social
MeaningBehave carelessly or indifferently.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s PP
Example"Play about with a young girl's affection"
Synonymsdally, toy, flirt
Broaderact, movePerform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
Similar todally, trifle, playConsider not very seriously
Spanishcoquetear, flirtear
English > play: 52 senses > verb 24, motion
MeaningCause to move or operate freely within a bounded space.
PatternSomebody ----s something; Something ----s something
Example"The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack"
Broadermove, displaceCause to move or shift into a new position or place, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense
Nounsplaymovement or space for movement
English > play: 52 senses > verb 25, creation
MeaningPerform on a stage or theater.
PatternSomebody ----s
Examples
  • "She acts in this play"
  • "I played in 'A Christmas Carol'"
Synonymsact, roleplay, playact
Categorydramaturgy, dramatic art, dramatics, theater, theatreThe art of writing and producing plays
Narrowermime, pantomimeact out without words but with gestures and bodily movements only
overact, ham it up, ham, overplayexaggerate one's acting
stoogeact as the stooge
underact, underplayAct (a role) with great restraint
BroaderperformGive a performance (of something)
Similar toact, play, representPlay a role or part
actBe suitable for theatrical performance
playPerform on a certain location
playBe performed or presented for public viewing
Spanishactuar, interpretar, jugar, representar, tocar
Catalanactuar, interpretar, jugar, representar, tocar
Nounsplaya dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
playa theatrical performance of a drama / drama
playera theatrical performer
playingthe performance of a part or role in a drama
English > play: 52 senses > verb 26, creation
MeaningBe performed or presented for public viewing.
PatternSomething ----s; Something is ----ing PP
Examples
  • "What's playing in the local movie theater?"
  • "'Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years"
Categoryperforming artsarts or skills that require public performance
NarrowerdebutAppear for the first time in public
Similar toact, play, roleplay, playactPerform on a stage or theater
Spanishjugar, representar, tocar
Catalanjugar, representar, tocar
Nounsplaya dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
playa theatrical performance of a drama / drama
English > play: 52 senses > verb 27, creation
MeaningCause to happen / happen or to occur as a consequence.
PatternSomebody ----s something; Something ----s something
Example "play a joke"
Synonymsbring, work, wreak, make for
Broadermake, createmake or cause to be or to become
Similar towork, actHave an effect or outcome
Spanishprovocar, traer
English > play: 52 senses > verb 28, contact
MeaningDischarge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream.
PatternSomething ----s; Somebody ----s something
Examples
  • "play water from a hose"
  • "The fountains played all day"
Broaderdischargepour forth or release
English > play: 52 senses > verb 29, competition
Meaningmake bets.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Examples
  • "Play the races"
  • "play the casinos in Trouville"
Broaderbet, wager, playstake on the outcome of an issue
Similar tobet, wager, playstake on the outcome of an issue
playbet or wager (money)
Spanishapostar, jugar, tocar
Catalanjugar, tocar
Nounsplaythe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
English > play: 52 senses > verb 30, competition
Meaningstake on the outcome of an issue.
PatternSomebody ----s; Somebody ----s something
Example "She played all her money on the dark horse"
Synonymsbet, wager
Narrowerbet on, back, gage, stake, game, puntplace a bet on
playmake bets
raisebet more than the previous player
seematch or meet
BroadergamblePlay games / games for money
Similar toplaymake bets
Spanishapostar, hacer una apuesta, jugarse
Catalanapostar
Nounsplaythe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
English > play: 52 senses > verb 31, competition
MeaningShoot or hit in a particular manner.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Example"She played a good backhand last night"
NarrowerhookSecure with the foot
BroaderhitCause to move by striking
Similar tomeet, encounter, play, take oncontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle
Nounsplaya deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
English > play: 52 senses > verb 32, competition
MeaningUse or move.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Example"I had to play my queen"
Narrowerpromotechange a pawn for a better piece by advancing it to the eighth row, or change a checker piece for a more valuable piece by moving it to the row closest to your opponent
Broaderuse, utilize, utilise, apply, employput into service
Similar tomeet, encounter, play, take oncontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle
playput (a card or piece) into play during a game / game / game, or act strategically as if in a card game
Nounsplaya preset plan of action in team sports
English > play: 52 senses > verb 33, competition
Meaningemploy in a game / game or in a specific position.
PatternSomebody ----s somebody
Example"They played him on first base"
Broaderuse, utilize, utilise, apply, employput into service
Similar tomeet, encounter, play, take oncontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle
playput (a card or piece) into play during a game / game / game, or act strategically as if in a card game
Nounsplaya preset plan of action in team sports
English > play: 52 senses > verb 34, competition
Meaningcontend against an opponent in a sport, game / game, or battle.
PatternSomebody ----s somebody
ModelSam and Sue play; Sam cannot play Sue
Examples
  • "Princeton plays Yale this weekend"
  • "Charlie likes to play Mary"
Synonymsmeet, encounter, take on
Entailscompete, vie, contendcompete for something
Narrowerconfront, faceOppose, as in hostility or a competition
replayrepeat a game / game / game against the same opponent
Similar toplayparticipate in games / games or sport
playShoot or hit in a particular manner
playemploy in a game / game or in a specific position
playUse or move
Spanishenfrentarse, enfrentar, jugar
Catalanenfrontar-se, jugar
Nounsplay(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
playingthe action of taking part in a game / game / game or sport or other recreation
English > play: 52 senses > verb 35, body
MeaningExhaust by allowing to pull on the line.
PatternSomebody ----s something
Example"play a hooked fish"
Broaderexhaust, wash up, beat, tucker, tucker outwear out completely

©2001-24 · HyperDic hyper-dictionary · Contact

English | Spanish | Catalan
Privacy | Robots

Valid XHTML 1.0 Strict