Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense plays, present participle playing, past tense, past participle played
1. verb
When children, animals, or perhaps adults play, they spend time doing enjoyable things, such as using toys and taking part in games.
...invite the children round to play. [VERB]
They played in the little garden. [VERB]
Polly was playing with her teddy bear. [VERB + with]
Play is also a noun.
...a few hours of play until the baby-sitter takes them off to bed.
2. verb
When you play a sport, game, or match, you take part in it.
All they want to do is sit around playing computer games. [VERB noun]
Alain was playing cards with his friends. [VERB noun + with]
I used to play basketball. [VERB noun]
I want to play for my country. [VERB + for]
He captained the team but he didn't actually play. [VERB]
Synonyms: take part in, be involved in, engage in, participate in More Synonyms of play
Play is also a noun.
Both sides adopted the Continental style of play.
3. verb
When one person or team plays another or plays against them, they compete against them in a sport or game.
Northern Ireland will play Latvia. [VERB noun]
I've played against him a few times. [VERB + against]
Synonyms: compete against, challenge, take on, rival More Synonyms of play
Play is also a noun.
Fischer won after 5 hours and 41 minutes of play.
4. verb
When you play the ball or play a shot in a game or sport, you kick or hit the ball.
Think first before playing the ball. [VERB noun]
He considered how to play a shot from the rough on his final hole. [VERB noun]
I played the ball back slightly. [VERB noun adverb]
Synonyms: hit, pass, shoot, kick More Synonyms of play
5. verb
If you play a joke or a trick on someone, you deceive them or give them a surprise in a way that you think is funny, but that often causes problems for them or annoys them.
Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of thosesteps. [VERB noun + on]
I thought: 'This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke'. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: perform, carry out, execute More Synonyms of play
6. verb
If you play with an object or with your hair, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers, perhaps because you are bored or nervous.
She stared at the floor, idly playing with the strap of her handbag. [VERB + with]
7. countable noun
A play is a piece of writing which is performed in a theatre, on the radio, or on television.
The company put on a play about the homeless. [+ about]
It's my favourite Shakespeare play.
Synonyms: drama, show, performance, piece More Synonyms of play
8. verb
If an actor plays a role or character in a play or film, he or she performs the part of that character.
...Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which he played Hyde. [VERB noun]
His ambition is to play the part of Dracula. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: act, portray, represent, perform More Synonyms of play
9. link verb
You can use play to describe how someone behaves, when they are deliberately behaving in a certainway or like a certain type of person. For example, to play the innocent, means to pretend to be innocent, and to play deaf means to pretend not to hear something.
Hill tried to play the peacemaker. [VERB noun]
She was just playing the devoted mother. [VERB noun]
So you want to play nervous today? [VERB adjective]
10. verb
You can describe how someone deals with a situation by saying that they play it in a certain way. For example, if someone plays it cool, they keep calm and do not show much emotion, and if someone plays it straight, they behave in an honest and direct way.
Investors are playing it cautious, and they're playing it smart. [V n adj/adv]
11. verb
If you play a musical instrument or play a tune on a musical instrument, or if a musical instrument plays, music is produced from it.
Nina had been playing the piano. [VERB noun]
Two people played jazz on a piano. [VERB noun]
He played for me. [VERB + for]
Place your baby in her seat and play her a lullaby. [VERB noun noun]
The guitars played. [VERB]
[Also V n for n]
12. verb
If you play a record or a CD, you put it into a machine and sound is produced. If a record ora CD is playing, sound is being produced from it.
She played her records too loudly. [VERB noun]
...v. [VERB noun]
There is classical music playing in the background. [VERB]
[Also VERB noun noun]
13. verb
If a musician or group of musicians plays or plays a concert, they perform music for people to listen or dance to.
A band was playing. [VERB]
He will play concerts in Amsterdam and Paris. [VERB noun]
14. verb
When light plays somewhere, it moves about on a surface in an unsteady way.
[literary]
The sun played on the frosty roofs. [VERB preposition]
15.
See what are you playing at?
16.
See come into play/be brought into play
17.
See play a part/play a role
18. to play ball
19. to play your cards right
20. to play it by ear
21. to play fair
22. to play fast and loose
23. to play second fiddle
24. to play the field
25. to play with fire
26. to play the fool
27. to play to the gallery
28. to play into someone's hands
29. to play hard to get
30. to play havoc
31. to play host
32. to play safe
33. to play for time
34. to play truant
Phrasal verbs:
See play along
See play around
See play at
See play back
See play down
See play off against
See play on
See play out
See play up
See play upon
More Synonyms of play
play in British English
(pleɪ)
verb
1.
to occupy oneself in (a sport or diversion); amuse oneself in (a game)
2. (transitive)
to contend against (an opponent) in a sport or game
Erik played Misha at chess and lost
3.
to fulfil or cause to fulfil (a particular role) in a team game
he plays defence
he plays in the defence
4. (transitive)
to address oneself to (a ball) in a game
play the ball not the man
5. (intr; often foll by about or around)
to behave carelessly, esp in a way that is unconsciously cruel or hurtful; trifle or dally (with)
to play about with an admirer's feelings
6. (whenintr, often foll by at)
to perform or act the part (of) in or as in a dramatic production; assume or simulate the role (of)
to play the villain
just what are you playing at?
7.
to act out or perform (a dramatic production)
8.
to give a performance in (a place) or (of a performance) to be given in a place
9. (intransitive)
to be received
How will these policies play in Middle England?
10.
to have the ability to perform on (a musical instrument)
David plays the harp
11.
to perform (on a musical instrument) as specified
he plays out of tune
12. (transitive)
a.
to reproduce (a tune, melody, piece of music, note, etc) on an instrument
b.
to perform works by (a specific composer)
to play Brahms
13.
to discharge or cause to discharge
I played the water from the hose onto the garden
14.
to operate, esp to cause (a record player, radio, etc) to emit sound or (of a recordplayer, radio, etc) to emit (sound)
she played a record
the radio was playing loudly
15.
to move or cause to move freely, quickly, or irregularly
lights played on the scenery
16. (transitive) stock exchange
to speculate or operate aggressively for gain in (a market)
17. (transitive) angling
to attempt to tire (a hooked fish) by alternately letting out and reeling in line and by using the rod's flexibility
18.
to put (a card, counter, piece, etc) into play
19.
to gamble (money) on a game
20. play ball
21. play fair
22. play false
23. play by ear
24. play for time
25. play into the hands of
26. play the fool
27. play the game
noun
28.
a dramatic composition written for performance by actors on a stage, on television,etc; drama
29.
a.
the performance of a dramatic composition
b.
(in combination)
playreader
30.
a.
games, exercise, or other activity undertaken for pleasure, diversion, etc, esp by children
b.
(in combination)
playroom
c.
(as modifier)
play area
31.
manner of action, conduct, or playing
fair play
32.
the playing or conduct of a game or the period during which a game is in progress
rain stopped play
33. US and Canadian
a move or manoeuvre in a game
a brilliant play
34.
the situation of a ball that is within the defined area and being played according to the rules (in the phrases in play, out of play)
35.
a turn to play
it's my play
36.
the act of playing for stakes; gambling
37.
action, activity, or operation
the play of the imagination
38.
freedom of or scope or space for movement
too much play in the rope
39.
light, free, or rapidly shifting motion
the play of light on the water
40.
fun, jest, or joking
I only did it in play
41. call into play
42. make a play for
Word origin
Old English plega (n), plegan (vb); related to Middle Dutch pleyen
play in American English
(pleɪ)
verb intransitive
1.
to move lightly, rapidly, or erratically; flutter
sunlight playing on the waves
2.
to amuse oneself, as by taking part in a game or sport; engage in recreation
3.
to take active part in a game or sport
not playing because of an injury
4.
to engage in a game for stakes; gamble
5.
a.
to act, deal, or touch carelessly or lightly; trifle
with a thing or person
b. Obsolete
to engage in sexual activity; dally
6.
to perform on a musical instrument
7.
to give out sounds, esp. musical sounds
said of an instrument, phonograph or tape recorder, etc.
8.
to lend itself to performance
a drama that does not play well
9.
to act in a specified way; esp., to pretend to be
to play dumb
10.
to act in or as in a drama; perform on the stage
11.
to be performed or presented in a theater, on radio or TV, etc.
what movie is playing?
12.
to move freely within limits, as parts of a machine
13.
to be ejected, discharged, or directed repeatedly or continuously, as a fountain, a spotlight, etc.
with on, over, or along
14.
to impose unscrupulously (on another's feelings or susceptibilities)
15. Informal
to achieve acceptance, success, etc.
verb transitive
16.
a.
to take part in (a game or sport)
b.
to be stationed at (a specified position) in a sport
17.
to oppose (a person, team, etc.) in a game or contest
18.
to enter or use (a player, etc.) in a game or contest
19.
to do (something), as in fun or to deceive
play tricks
20.
a.
to bet
b. US
to bet on
play the horses
c. US
to act on the basis of
play a hunch
21. US
to speculate in (the stock market)
22.
to cause to move, act, operate, etc.; wield; ply
23.
to put (a specified card) into play
to play an ace
24.
to cause or effect
to play havoc
25.
to perform (music)
26.
a.
to perform on (a musical instrument)
b.
to cause (a phonograph, phonograph record, tape recorder, tape, etc.) to give out sounds, images, etc.
27.
to accompany or lead (someone) with music
with in, off, etc.
28.
to perform (a drama or dramatic passage)
29.
to act the part of
to play Iago, to play the fool
30.
to imitate the activities of, as children do for amusement
to play teacher, to play house
31. US
to give performances in
to play Boston for a week
32.
to eject or direct (water, light, etc.) repeatedly or continuously (on, over, or along)
33.
to let (a hooked fish) tire itself by tugging at the line
34. US
to use or exploit (a person)
played him for a fool
noun
35.
action, motion, or activity, esp. when free, rapid, or light
the play of muscles
36.
freedom or scope for motion or action, esp. of a mechanism
37.
activity engaged in for amusement or recreation; sport, games, etc.; often, specif.,the natural activities of children
38.
fun; joking
to do a thing in play
39.
a.
the playing of a game
b.
the way or technique of playing a game
40.
a.
a maneuver, move, or act in a game; specif., a planned, coordinated action executed by members of a team during a game
b.
a turn at playing
41.
the act of gambling
42.
a dramatic composition or performance; drama
43. Obsolete
sexual activity; dalliance
Idioms:
in (or out of) play
make a play for
play along (with)
play around
play at
play back
play both ends against the middle
play catch-up ball
play down
played out
play fair
play for time
play into someone's hands
play it
play off
play one's cards well
play out
play up
play through
play up to
Derived forms
playable (ˈplayable)
adjective
Word origin
ME plein < OE plegan, to play, be active
More idioms containing
play
play merry hell with something
play hell
play hardball
play hard to get
play into someone's hands
play gooseberry
play God
play games
play a waiting game
play someone at their own game
play the game
not play the game
play to the gallery
play with fire
play the field
play second fiddle
play fast and loose with something
play both ends against the middle
play it by ear
play ducks and drakes with someone
not play with a full deck
child's play
when the cat's away, the mice will play
play your cards right
play your cards close to the vest
play a straight bat
play ball
play your ace
play the numbers game
make great play of something
make a play for something
make a play for someone
play someone for a fool
play possum
play Russian roulette
play it safe
play a shell game
the state of play
play for time
play your trump card
Examples of 'play' in a sentence
play
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
You have to just play in the moment.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Golden light plays on the looping branches of a willow tree down by the riverside.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The radio was playing the sound a male cod makes to get females to release their eggs.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
An announcement before the show promises that they really are playing their instruments live in front of you.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In its simplest form this may just be by finding a play to use the last of your letters.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Do you make time for play?
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Having a fire to play with is something people don't have a chance to do.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We're also not allowed to play competitive sport.
The Sun (2017)
Like not play so much basketball and actually take my pre-season seriously.
The Sun (2017)
If they perform, they play.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We just have to play and enjoy it.
The Sun (2013)
Not many people use their clock radios as a way to play the radio.
Al Ries and Laura Ries THE 22 IMMUTABLE LAWS OF BRANDING (2002)
There is definitely something to play for.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You can rebuild a rocky relationship or find romance where sport is played.
The Sun (2008)
She used to play the piano but the instrument has been warped by the tropical heat.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Only basketball is played with any seriousness outside the continent.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
You were asked for the best line of play with this combination to land four tricks.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Whether or not you learn to play an instrument through school is a postcode lottery.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
We also discover the impact of performing these plays.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Yet playing basketball actually helped him become a goalkeeper.
The Sun (2014)
This time he also plays his own twin brother.
The Sun (2014)
The reward was the chance to play music all day long.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You simply have to play it the way it happens.
Martin, April The Guide to Lesbian and Gay Parenting (1993)
All credit to the way he plays and conducts himself.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
All because of a performance in a play widely regarded as impossibly ungainly.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We arrived to find a guy singing some boring song as he played the piano.
Frankie Dettori with Jonathan Powell FRANKIE: The Autobiography of Frankie Dettori (2004)
The match is being played in one half so you have less space.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
What are her record company playing at?
The Sun (2008)
We should not play the blame game.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We all have a part to play.
The Sun (2013)
Why bother to protest against provocative plays if the theatres will turn the lights off for you beforehand?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This plays with light and dark, quiet and loud to amazing effect.
The Sun (2016)
He was inspired by watching people play games on King.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
His main task was to write and a house as impressive as New Place would have played an important part in the rhythm of his working life.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Quotations
The play's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the kingWilliam ShakespeareHamlet
Play it Sam. Play `As Time Goes By'J. Epstein, P. Epstein, H. Koch and M. CurtizCasablanca
Word lists with
play
Types of entertainment, Terms used in American football
In other languages
play
British English: play /pleɪ/ NOUN
A play is a piece of writing performed in a theatre, on the radio, or on television.
My uncle wrote a play about his father.
American English: play
Arabic: مَسْرَحِيَّة
Brazilian Portuguese: peça teatral
Chinese: 游戏
Croatian: drama
Czech: hra divadelní
Danish: skuespil
Dutch: toneelstuk
European Spanish: obra recreación
Finnish: näytelmä
French: pièce théâtre
German: Theaterstück
Greek: θεατρικό έργο
Italian: spettacolo teatrale
Japanese: 劇
Korean: 연극
Norwegian: skuespill
Polish: gra sztuka
European Portuguese: peça teatral
Romanian: piesă de teatru
Russian: игра
Latin American Spanish: obra ejercicio recreativo
Swedish: pjäs
Thai: บทละคร
Turkish: oyun
Ukrainian: п'єса
Vietnamese: vở kịch
British English: play /pleɪ/ VERB
children When children play, they spend time using toys and taking part in games.
She was playing with her dolls.
American English: play in sports
Arabic: يَلْعَب
Brazilian Portuguese: brincar
Chinese: 进行比赛
Croatian: igrati se
Czech: hrát si děti
Danish: lege with toys
Dutch: spelen in sport
European Spanish: jugar recreación
Finnish: pelata
French: jouer sport
German: spielen Sport
Greek: παίζω άθλημα
Italian: giocare
Japanese: 競技を行う in sport
Korean: 놀다
Norwegian: spille
Polish: zagrać w sporcie
European Portuguese: brincar
Romanian: a se juca
Russian: играть
Latin American Spanish: jugar
Swedish: spela
Thai: เล่น
Turkish: oynamak
Ukrainian: гратися
Vietnamese: chơi
British English: play /pleɪ/ VERB
musical instrument If you play an instrument, you make music with it.
American English: play music
Arabic: يَعْزِف
Brazilian Portuguese: tocar
Chinese: 演奏 音
Croatian: svirati
Czech: hrát hudba
Danish: spille musik
Dutch: spelen muziek
European Spanish: tocar música
Finnish: soittaa musiikkia
French: jouer musique
German: spielen Musik
Greek: παίζω μουσική
Italian: suonare
Japanese: 演奏する music
Korean: 연주를 하다
Norwegian: spille
Polish: zagrać muzyka
European Portuguese: tocar
Romanian: a cântala un instrument
Russian: играть
Latin American Spanish: tocar hacer sonar un instrumento
Swedish: spela
Thai: เล่นดนตรี
Turkish: çalmak
Ukrainian: грати
Vietnamese: chơi
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'play'
by-play
secondary action or talking carried on apart while the main action proceeds , esp in a play
play at
If you say that someone is playing at something, you disapprove of the fact that they are doing it casually and not very seriously .
play it
to act in a (specified) manner
play on
If you play on someone's fears , weaknesses, or faults , you deliberately use them in order to persuade that person to do something, or to achieve what you want .
play up
If you play up something, you emphasize it and try to make people believe that it is important .
fair play
If you refer to someone's attitude or behaviour as fair play , you approve of it because it shows respect and sympathy towards everyone, even towards people who are thought to be wrong or to deserve punishment .
foul play
Foul play is criminal violence or activity that results in a person's death .
hand-play
the practice of fighting with fists
long play
a long-playing gramophone record: usually one 12 inches (30 cm) or 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter , designed to rotate at 33 1 ⁄ 3 revolutions per minute
net play
play made from a position close to the net
play-act
If someone is play-acting , they are pretending to have attitudes or feelings that they do not really have.
play back
When you play back a tape or film , you listen to the sounds or watch the pictures after recording them.
play ball
to do what someone has asked you to do, or to work with them in order to achieve something that you both want
play box
a box for a child's toys and personal things
play date
an appointment made by several parents to have their young children play together
play-day
a day given to play
Play-Doh
Play-Doh is a soft coloured substance like clay which children use for making models.
play down
If you play down something, you try to make people believe that it is not particularly important .
play fair
to prove oneself fair in one's dealings
play God
If someone plays God , they act as if they have unlimited power and can do anything they want .
play golf
Golf is a game in which you use long sticks called clubs to hit a small, hard ball into holes that are spread out over a large area of grassy land.
play hell to play merry hell
To play hell with something means to have a bad effect on it or cause great confusion . In British English , you can also say that one person or thing plays merry hell with another.
play off
A play-off is an extra game which is played to decide the winner of a sports competition when two or more people have got the same score .
play out
If a dramatic event is played out , it gradually takes place.
play park
A play park is a children's playground .
play safe
to act in a way least likely to cause danger , controversy , or defeat
play upon
To play upon something means the same as to → play on it.
play with
to consider without giving deep thought to or coming to a conclusion concerning
role-play
Role play is the act of imitating the character and behaviour of someone who is different from yourself, for example as a training exercise.
play-by-play
(of a sports commentary ) reporting details of every phase of the match as its happens
appeal play
an appeal by the team in the field to the umpire regarding a possible base-running infraction, such as failure to touch a base or leaving it to score before a fly is caught , that is considered only when the defending team tags the runner or base in question before making the appeal
broken play
an improvised offensive play that results when the originally planned play has not been executed properly
double play
a play in which two runners are put out
match play
Match play is a form of golf where the game is scored by the number of holes someone wins rather than the number of strokes it takes them to complete the course .
medal play
→ stroke play
play-acting
Play-acting is behaviour where someone pretends to have attitudes or feelings that they do not really have.
play along
If you play along with a person, with what they say , or with their plans , you appear to agree with them and do what they want , even though you are not sure whether they are right.
play around
If you play around , you behave in a silly way to amuse yourself or other people.
play-centre
a regular meeting of small children arranged by their parents or a welfare agency to give them an opportunity of supervised creative play
play cupid
If you say that someone is playing cupid , you mean that they are trying to bring two people together to start a romantic relationship.
play false
to prove oneself unfair in one's dealings
play games
to not be serious enough about a difficult situation
play havoc
to cause a great deal of damage , distress , or confusion (to)
play hooky
If a child plays hooky , they stay away from school without permission .
play house
to pretend in child's play to be grown-up people with the customary household duties
play-lunch
a schoolchild's mid-morning snack
play money
paper that is cut and printed to resemble paper money, often used in playing board games
play possum
to try to make people ignore you by pretending to be dead or asleep
play truant
If a student plays truant , he or she stays away from school without permission .
power play
A power play is an attempt to gain an advantage by showing that you are more powerful than another person or organization , for example in a business relationship or negotiation .
Chinese translation of 'play'
play
(pleɪ)
n
(c) (Theat, TV, Rad) 戏(戲)剧(劇) (xìjù) (出, chū)
(u) (= activity)
(with toys, games etc) 游(遊)戏(戲) (yóuxì)
(sport) 活动(動) (huódòng)
⇒ Rain again interrupted play at Wimbledon today.温布尔登赛事又受到下雨的干扰。 (Wēnbù'ěrdēng sàishì yòu shòudào xiàyǔ de gānrǎo.)
vt
[game, chess]玩 (wán)
⇒ Let's play a game.咱们玩游戏吧。 (Zánmen wán yóuxì ba.)
⇒ Polly was playing with her teddy bear.波莉在玩她的玩具熊。 (Bōlì zài wán tā de wánjùxióng.)
[orchestra, band]演奏 (yǎnzòu)
[CD, record, tape, radio]播放 (bōfàng)
⇒ There was classical music playing in the background.古典音乐正作为背景音乐播放。 (Gǔdiǎn yīnyuè zhèng zuòwéi bèijǐng yīnyuè bōfàng.)
a play on words双(雙)关(關)语(語) (shuāngguānyǔ)
to bring into play调(調)动(動) (diàodòng)
to play cards玩纸(紙)牌 (wán zhǐpái)
to play a trick on sb对(對)某人耍花招 (duì mǒurén shuǎ huāzhāo)
to play a part or role in sth (fig) 在某事中起作用 (zài mǒushì zhōng qǐ zuòyòng)
to play (it) safe谨(謹)慎行事 (jǐnshèn xíngshì)
to play for time为(為)争(爭)取时(時)间(間)而拖延 (wèi zhēngqǔ shíjiān ér tuōyán)
to play into sb's hands让(讓)某人占(佔)便宜 (ràng mǒurén zhàn piányi)
All related terms of 'play'
play at
▶ to play at (doing/being) sth ( do half-heartedly ) 敷衍地做某事 fūyǎn de zuò mǒushì ; ( as game ) 扮成某事 bànchéng mǒushì ⇒ They played at (being) soldiers. → 他们扮成士兵。 Tāmen bànchéng shìbīng.
play on
( sb's feelings, fears ) 利用 lìyòng
play up
( machine, part of body ) 出毛病 chū máobìng
foul play
( Law ) 暴力行径(徑) bàolì xíngjìng
play back
( recording, message, video ) 回放 huífàng
play down
减(減)低 jiǎndī
play around
( be silly ) 胡闹(鬧) húnào
to play God
( pej ) 以上帝自居 yǐ Shàngdì zìjū
to play away
在对(對)方球场(場)比赛(賽) zài duìfāng qiúchǎng bǐsài
to play cards
玩纸(紙)牌 wán zhǐpái
to play catch
玩掷(擲)球游(遊)戏(戲) wán zhìqiú yóuxì
to play fair
公平行事 gōngpíng xíngshì
to play golf
打高尔(爾)夫球 dǎ gāo'ěrfūqiú
play about with
= play around with
play along with
( person ) 同 ... 合作 tóng ... hézuò
to play truant
逃学(學) táoxué
a play on words
双(雙)关(關)语(語) shuāngguānyǔ
play around with
( idea, problem ) 摆(擺)弄 bǎinòng
play off against
挑拨(撥)离(離)间(間) tiǎobō líjiàn
to play for time
为(為)争(爭)取时(時)间(間)而拖延 wèi zhēngqǔ shíjiān ér tuōyán
to play gooseberry
( Brit ) 当(當)电(電)灯(燈)泡 dāng diàndēngpào
to play handball
打手球 dǎ shǒuqiú
to play skittles
玩九柱游戏 wán jiǔzhù yóuxì
to bring into play
调(調)动(動) diàodòng
to play a part in
( be part of ) 在 ... 中起作用 zài ... zhōng qǐ zuòyòng
戏(戲)剧(劇)中的某些部分是好的 xìjù zhōng de mǒuxiē bùfen shì hǎo de
to appear in a play/film
出演电(電)视(視)剧(劇)/电(電)影 chūyǎn diànshìjù/diànyǐng
I don't play tennis any more
我不再打网(網)球了 wǒ bùzài dǎ wǎngqiú le
to play a part or role in sth
( fig ) 在某事中起作用 zài mǒushì zhōng qǐ zuòyòng
can you play a musical instrument?
你会(會)一种(種)乐(樂)器吗(嗎)？ nǐ huì yī zhǒng yuèqì ma?
to play havoc with or wreak havoc on sth
扰(擾)乱(亂)某事 rǎoluàn mǒushì
to play (it) safe
谨(謹)慎行事 jǐnshèn xíngshì
to play ball (with sb)
( inf : fig ) (与(與)某人)协(協)作 (yǔ mǒurén) xiézuò
to play games (with sb)
( fig ) (对(對)某人)耍花招 (duì mǒurén) shuǎ huāzhāo
to play at (doing/being) sth
( do half-heartedly ) 敷衍地做某事 fūyǎn de zuò mǒushì
to play an active part or role (in sth)
积(積)极(極)参(參)加(某事) jījí cānjiā (mǒushì)
1 (verb)
Definition
to occupy oneself in (a sport or recreation)
The children played in the garden.
Synonyms
amuse yourself
have fun
frolic
Tourists sunbathe and frolic in the ocean.
sport
fool
romp
Dogs romped happily in the garden.
revel
trifle
caper
The children were capering about, shouting and laughing.
frisk
creatures that grunted and frisked about
gambol
children gambolling in the fields
entertain yourself
engage in games
2 (verb)
Definition
to occupy oneself in (a sport or recreation)
I used to play basketball.
Synonyms
take part in
Thousands of students have taken part in the demonstrations.
be involved in
engage in
participate in
compete in
be in a team for
3 (verb)
Definition
to compete against (someone) in a sport or game
Northern Ireland will play Latvia tomorrow.
Synonyms
compete against
challenge
take on
rival
London cannot rival the glamour of Barcelona or Madrid.
oppose
Mr Taylor was bitter towards those who had opposed him.
vie with
contend against
4 (verb)
Think before playing the ball.
Synonyms
hit
pass
Their team passed the ball better than ours did.
shoot
The police had orders to shoot anyone who attacked them.
kick
5 (verb)
Someone had played a trick on her.
Synonyms
perform
students performing Shakespeare's Macbeth
carry out
execute
The landing was skilfully executed.
6 (verb)
Definition
to act the part (of) in a dramatic piece
His ambition is to play the part of Dracula.
Synonyms
act
They were just acting tough.
portray
He portrayed the king in a revival of `Camelot'.
represent
perform
He began performing in the early fifties.
impersonate
He was a brilliant mimic who could impersonate most of the staff.
act the part of
take the part of
personate
7 (verb)
Definition
to perform (music) on an instrument
Do you play the guitar?
Synonyms
perform on
strum
make music on
8 (verb)
Definition
to behave carelessly
He's not working, he's just playing around.
Synonyms
fool around
toy
fiddle
She fiddled with a pen on the desk.
trifle
mess around
take something lightly
9 (verb)
Definition
to gamble
a skilful investor who knew how to play the market
Synonyms
gamble
I occasionally gambled on the horses.
take
chance
No sniper would chance a shot from amongst that crowd.
risk
She risked her life to help a woman.
bet
I bet on a horse called Premonition.
hazard
speculate
They speculated in property whose value has now dropped.
punt mainly British)
He punted the lot on Little Nell in the third race.
wager
People had wagered a good deal of money on his winning the championship.
1 (noun)
Definition
games or other activity undertaken for pleasure
Try to strike a balance between work and play.a few hours of play until you go to bed
Synonyms
amusement
It's unacceptable to keep animals confined for our amusement.
pleasure
Watching TV is our only pleasure.
leisure
games
sport
I'd say football is my favourite sport.
fun
You still have time to join in the fun.
entertainment
I play the piano purely for my own entertainment.
relaxation
You should be able to find the odd moment for relaxation.
a good time
recreation
Saturday afternoon is for recreation and outings.
enjoyment
She ate with great enjoyment.
romping
larks
capering
frolicking
junketing
fun and games
Their fun and games hurt a lot of people.
revelry
skylarking
living it up (informal)
gambolling
horseplay
merrymaking
me-time
2 (noun)
Definition
the performance of such a piece
The company put on a Shakespeare play
Synonyms
drama
He acted in radio dramas.
show
How about going to see a show in London?
performance
piece
comedy
a comedy set in 18th-century Ireland
entertainment
He organized entertainments and events for elderly people.
tragedy
a classic Greek tragedy
farce
soap opera
soapie or soapy (Australian, slang)
pantomime
stage show
television drama
radio play
masque
dramatic piece
3 (noun)
Definition
scope for freedom of movement
There should be just enough play to allow the trunk to expand.
Synonyms
movement
room
There wasn't enough room for all the gear.
space
The furniture proved impractical because it took up too much space.
give (informal)
swing
sweep
She indicated the garden with a sweep of her hand.
margin
There is very little margin for error in the way the money is collected.
slack
He cranked in the slack, and the ship was moored.
latitude
leeway
Schoolteachers rarely have leeway to teach the way they want.
freedom of movement
elbowroom
free motion
4 (noun)
Definition
activity or operation
a dazzling picture book which allows imaginations full play
Synonyms
scope
He believed in giving his staff scope for initiative.
room
There's a lot of room for you to express yourself.
range
The trees on the mountain within my range of vision had all been felled.
freedom
freedom to buy and sell at the best price
licence
All that stuff about catching a giant fish was just a bit of poetic licence.
liberty
Three convictions meant three months' loss of liberty.
indulgence
latitude
She will be given every latitude in forming a new government.
free rein
5 (noun)
Definition
activity or operation
The play of chance may happen to favour either man.
Synonyms
operation
Dials monitor every aspect of the operation of the aircraft.
working
computer systems which mimic the workings of the human brain
action
Her description of the action of poisons is very accurate.
activity
There is an extraordinary level of activity in the market.
movement
I could watch your every movement.
function
The main function of merchant banks is to raise capital.
employment
6 (noun)
Definition
gambling
Synonyms
gambling
a state monopoly on online gambling
gaming
phrase
See in play
Phrasal verbs
See play around
See play at something
idioms
See play ball
See play on or upon something
See play something down
See play something up
See play up
See play up to someone
See play with someone
See play with something
Quotations
The play's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king [William Shakespeare – Hamlet]Play it Sam. Play `As Time Goes By' [J. Epstein, P. Epstein, H. Koch and M. Curtiz – Casablanca]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of action
Her description of the action of poisons is very accurate.
Synonyms
effect,
working,
work,
force,
power,
process,
effort,
operation,
activity,
movement,
influence,
functioning,
motion,
exertion
in the sense of activity
Definition
the state of being active
There is an extraordinary level of activity in the market.
Synonyms
action,
work,
life,
labour,
movement,
energy,
exercise,
spirit,
enterprise,
motion,
bustle,
animation,
vigour,
hustle,
exertion,
hurly-burly,
liveliness,
activeness,
stir
in the sense of bet
Definition
to stake (money, etc.) in a bet
I bet on a horse called Premonition.
Synonyms
gamble,
chance,
stake,
venture,
hazard,
speculate,
punt (British),
wager,
put money,
risk money,
pledge money,
put your shirt on
Synonyms of 'play'
play
Explore 'play' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of caper
Definition
to skip about light-heartedly
The children were capering about, shouting and laughing.
Synonyms
dance,
trip,
spring,
jump,
bound,
leap,
bounce,
hop,
skip,
romp,
frolic,
cavort,
frisk,
gambol
in the sense of chance
Definition
to risk or hazard
No sniper would chance a shot from amongst that crowd.
Synonyms
risk,
try,
stake,
venture,
gamble,
hazard,
wager
in the sense of comedy
a comedy set in 18th-century Ireland
Synonyms
light entertainment,
sitcom (informal),
soap opera (slang),
soapie or soapy (Australian)
in the sense of enjoyment
She ate with great enjoyment.
Synonyms
pleasure,
liking,
fun,
delight,
entertainment,
joy,
satisfaction,
happiness,
relish,
recreation,
amusement,
indulgence,
diversion,
zest,
gratification,
gusto,
gladness,
delectation (formal),
beer and skittles (informal)
in the sense of entertainment
Definition
enjoyment and interest
I play the piano purely for my own entertainment.
Synonyms
enjoyment,
fun,
pleasure,
leisure,
satisfaction,
relaxation,
recreation,
distraction,
amusement,
diversion
in the sense of entertainment
Definition
an act or show that entertains, or such acts and shows collectively
He organized entertainments and events for elderly people.
Synonyms
pastime,
show,
sport,
performance,
play,
treat,
presentation,
leisure activity,
beer and skittles
in the sense of execute
Definition
to carry out or accomplish
The landing was skilfully executed.
Synonyms
perform,
do,
carry out,
accomplish
in the sense of fiddle
She fiddled with a pen on the desk.
Synonyms
fidget,
play,
finger,
toy,
tamper,
trifle,
mess about or around
in the sense of freedom
Definition
the power to order one's own actions
freedom to buy and sell at the best price
Synonyms
licence,
latitude,
a free hand,
free rein,
play,
power,
range,
opportunity,
ability,
facility,
scope,
flexibility,
discretion,
leeway,
carte blanche,
blank cheque,
elbowroom
in the sense of frisk
Definition
to leap, move about, or act in a playful manner
creatures that grunted and frisked about
Synonyms
frolic,
play,
sport,
dance,
trip,
jump,
bounce,
hop,
skip,
romp,
caper,
prance,
cavort,
gambol,
rollick,
curvet
Additional synonyms
in the sense of frolic
Definition
to run and play in a lively way
Tourists sunbathe and frolic in the ocean.
Synonyms
play,
romp,
lark,
caper,
cavort,
frisk,
gambol,
make merry,
rollick,
cut capers,
sport
in the sense of fun
Definition
pleasant, enjoyable, and light-hearted activity or amusement
You still have time to join in the fun.
Synonyms
amusement,
sport,
treat,
pleasure,
entertainment,
cheer,
good time,
recreation,
enjoyment,
romp,
distraction,
diversion,
frolic,
junketing,
merriment,
whoopee (informal),
high jinks,
living it up,
jollity,
beer and skittles (informal),
merrymaking,
jollification (old-fashioned)
in the sense of fun and games
Their fun and games hurt a lot of people.
Synonyms
horseplay,
clowning,
romping,
pranks,
fooling around,
rough-and-tumble,
junketing,
revelry,
skylarking (informal),
high jinks,
jollity,
buffoonery,
merrymaking
in the sense of function
Definition
the intended role or purpose of a person or thing
The main function of merchant banks is to raise capital.
Synonyms
purpose,
business,
job,
concern,
use,
part,
office,
charge,
role,
post,
operation,
situation,
activity,
exercise,
responsibility,
task,
duty,
mission,
employment,
capacity,
province,
occupation,
raison d'être
in the sense of gambol
Definition
to jump about playfully
children gambolling in the fields
Synonyms
frolic,
jump,
hop,
skip,
romp,
lark,
caper,
prance,
cavort,
frisk,
curvet,
cut a caper
in the sense of impersonate
Definition
to imitate the character or mannerisms of (another person) for entertainment
He was a brilliant mimic who could impersonate most of the staff.
Synonyms
mimic,
take off (informal),
do (informal),
ape,
parody,
caricature,
do an impression of,
personate
in the sense of latitude
Definition
scope for freedom of action and thought
She will be given every latitude in forming a new government.
Synonyms
scope,
liberty,
indulgence,
freedom,
play,
room,
space,
licence,
leeway,
laxity,
elbowroom,
unrestrictedness
in the sense of leeway
Definition
flexibility of action or expenditure
Schoolteachers rarely have leeway to teach the way they want.
Synonyms
room,
play,
space,
margin,
scope,
latitude,
elbowroom
in the sense of liberty
Definition
the right of unrestricted movement and access
Three convictions meant three months' loss of liberty.
Synonyms
freedom,
liberation,
redemption,
emancipation,
deliverance,
manumission,
enfranchisement,
unshackling,
unfettering
in the sense of licence
Definition
intentional disregard of conventional rules to achieve a certain effect
All that stuff about catching a giant fish was just a bit of poetic licence.
Synonyms
freedom,
creativity,
latitude,
independence,
liberty,
deviation,
leeway,
free rein,
looseness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of margin
Definition
an additional amount or one beyond the minimum necessary
There is very little margin for error in the way the money is collected.
Synonyms
room,
space,
surplus,
allowance,
scope,
play,
compass,
latitude,
leeway,
extra room,
elbowroom
in the sense of oppose
Definition
to be against (something or someone) in speech or action
Mr Taylor was bitter towards those who had opposed him.
Synonyms
be against,
fight (against),
check,
bar,
block,
prevent,
take on,
counter,
contest,
resist,
confront,
face,
combat,
defy,
thwart,
contradict,
withstand,
stand up to,
hinder,
struggle against,
obstruct,
fly in the face of,
take issue with,
be hostile to,
counterattack,
speak (out) against,
be in opposition to,
be in defiance of,
strive against,
set your face against,
take or make a stand against
in the sense of pass
Definition
to hit, kick, or throw (the ball) to another player
Their team passed the ball better than ours did.
Synonyms
kick,
hit,
loft,
head,
lob
in the sense of pleasure
Definition
something that gives enjoyment
Watching TV is our only pleasure.
Synonyms
amusement,
joy,
recreation,
diversion,
solace,
jollies (slang),
beer and skittles (informal, old-fashioned)
in the sense of portray
Definition
to describe or represent (someone) by artistic means, such as in writing or on film
He portrayed the king in a revival of `Camelot'.
Synonyms
play,
take the role of,
act the part of,
represent,
personate (rare)
in the sense of punt
Definition
to gamble or bet
He punted the lot on Little Nell in the third race.
Synonyms
bet,
back,
stake,
gamble,
lay,
wager
in the sense of range
The trees on the mountain within my range of vision had all been felled.
Synonyms
scope,
area,
field,
bounds,
province,
orbit,
span,
domain,
compass,
latitude,
radius,
amplitude,
purview,
sphere
in the sense of recreation
Definition
an activity done for pleasure or relaxation
Saturday afternoon is for recreation and outings.
Synonyms
leisure,
play,
sport,
exercise,
fun,
relief,
pleasure,
entertainment,
relaxation,
enjoyment,
distraction,
amusement,
diversion,
refreshment,
beer and skittles (informal),
me-time
in the sense of relaxation
Definition
a form of recreation
You should be able to find the odd moment for relaxation.
Synonyms
leisure,
rest,
fun,
pleasure,
entertainment,
recreation,
enjoyment,
amusement,
refreshment,
beer and skittles (informal),
me-time
in the sense of risk
Definition
to expose to danger or loss
She risked her life to help a woman.
Synonyms
dare,
endanger,
jeopardize,
imperil,
venture,
gamble,
hazard,
take a chance on,
put in jeopardy,
expose to danger,
take the plunge,
skate on thin ice
Additional synonyms
in the sense of rival
Definition
to try to equal or surpass
London cannot rival the glamour of Barcelona or Madrid.
Synonyms
compete with,
match,
equal,
oppose,
compare with,
contend,
come up to,
emulate,
vie with,
measure up to,
be a match for,
bear comparison with,
seek to displace
in the sense of romp
Definition
to play or run about wildly or joyfully
Dogs romped happily in the garden.
Synonyms
frolic,
sport,
skip,
have fun,
revel,
caper,
cavort,
frisk,
gambol,
make merry,
rollick,
roister,
cut capers
in the sense of room
Definition
unoccupied or unobstructed space
There wasn't enough room for all the gear.
Synonyms
space,
area,
territory,
volume,
capacity,
extent,
expanse,
elbowroom,
r%m
in the sense of room
There's a lot of room for you to express yourself.
Synonyms
opportunity,
freedom,
scope,
leeway,
play,
chance,
range,
occasion,
margin,
allowance,
compass,
latitude,
r%m
in the sense of shoot
Definition
to hit, wound, or kill with a missile fired from a weapon
The police had orders to shoot anyone who attacked them.
Synonyms
open fire on,
blast (slang),
hit,
kill,
bag,
plug (slang),
bring down,
blow away (slang, US),
zap (slang),
pick off,
pump full of lead (slang)
in the sense of show
Definition
a theatrical or other entertainment
How about going to see a show in London?
Synonyms
entertainment,
performance,
play,
production,
drama,
musical,
presentation,
theatrical performance
in the sense of slack
He cranked in the slack, and the ship was moored.
Synonyms
room,
excess,
leeway,
give (informal),
play,
looseness
in the sense of space
Definition
unoccupied area or room
The furniture proved impractical because it took up too much space.
Synonyms
room,
volume,
capacity,
extent,
margin,
extension,
scope,
play,
expanse,
leeway,
amplitude,
spaciousness,
elbowroom
in the sense of speculate
Definition
to buy securities or property in the hope of selling them at a profit
They speculated in property whose value has now dropped.
Synonyms
gamble,
risk,
venture,
hazard,
have a flutter (informal),
take a chance with,
play the market
in the sense of sport
Synonyms
frolic,
play,
romp,
caper,
gambol,
disport
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sport
Definition
such activities collectively
I'd say football is my favourite sport.
Synonyms
game,
exercise,
recreation,
play,
entertainment,
amusement,
diversion,
pastime,
physical activity
in the sense of sweep
Definition
a swift or steady movement
She indicated the garden with a sweep of her hand.
Synonyms
movement,
move,
swing,
stroke,
gesture
in the sense of tragedy
Definition
a serious play, film, or opera in which the main character is destroyed by a combination of a personal failing and adverse circumstances
a classic Greek tragedy
Synonyms
tragic drama,
play
in the sense of wager
Definition
to bet (something, esp. money) on the outcome of an event or activity
People had wagered a good deal of money on his winning the championship.
Synonyms
bet,
chance,
risk,
stake,
lay,
venture,
put on,
pledge,
gamble,
hazard,
speculate,
punt (British)
in the sense of working
Definition
the way that something works
computer systems which mimic the workings of the human brain
Synonyms
operation,
running,
action,
method,
functioning,
manner,
mode of operation
All related terms of 'play'
in play
in or for fun, for sport, for a joke, for a lark, as a prank
play up
hurt, be painful, bother you, trouble you, be sore
foul play
crime, fraud, corruption, deception, treachery
play ball
cooperate, play the game, show willing, pitch in, play along
play around
philander, have an affair, carry on, fool around, dally
play truant
stay away from school, be absent, truant, skive off, bunk off
play at something
pretend to be, pose as, impersonate, make like, profess to be
play it by ear
improvise, wing it, ad-lib, extemporize
play someone false
deceive, cheat, betray, double-cross, stab in the back
play something up
emphasize, highlight, underline, magnify, stress
play with someone
string along, flirt with, toy with, trifle with, amuse yourself with
play something down
minimize, make light of, gloss over, talk down, underrate
play up to someone
butter up, flatter, pander to, crawl to, get in with
play with something
toy with, wiggle, fiddle with, jiggle, waggle
act or play the fool
mess about, show off, clown, play (silly) games, be silly
play havoc with something
wreck, destroy, devastate, disrupt, demolish
play on or upon something
take advantage of, abuse, exploit, impose on, trade on