Play
nnoun.communicationa dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stageTopic:drama
Synset:drama dramatic play
Examples:- he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
Derivationally Related Form:dramatistdramatisedramatizeplayletdramaticplay
Hypernyms:dramatic composition dramatic work
Inherited Hypernyms:playdramatic compositionwritingwritten communicationcommunicationabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:Grand GuignolPassion playmiracle playmorality playmystery playplayletsatyr playtheater of the absurd
Part Meronyms:act stage direction
Full Hyponyms:grand guignolmiracle playmorality playmystery playpassion playplayletsatyr playtheater of the absurd
nnoun.communicationa theatrical performance of a dramaExamples:- the play lasted two hours
Derivationally Related Form:playletplay
Hypernyms:show
Inherited Hypernyms:playshowsocial eventeventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:curtain raisermusicalmusical comedymusical theater
Full Hyponyms:curtain raisermusical
nnoun.acta preset plan of action in team sportsExamples:- the coach drew up the plays for her team
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:plan of action
Inherited Hypernyms:playplan of actionplanideacontentcognitionpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:basketball playfootball playknock onpower playrazmatazrazzlerazzle-dazzlerazzmatazz
Full Hyponyms:audiblebasketball playdouble reversedrawend runflare passfootball playforward passgive-and-gohandoffknock onlateral passpasspickpower playrazzle-dazzlereturnreverserunrushscreen passspot passswitchtackletouchback
nnoun.acta deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skillSynset:maneuver manoeuvre
Examples:- he made a great maneuver
- the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
Derivationally Related Form:manoeuvreplay
Part Holonyms:athletic game
Hypernyms:motion move movement
Inherited Hypernyms:maneuvermotionchangeactionacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:assistball hawkingbaseball playblitzcompletionfigurefootworkicingicing the puckjugglerylinebacker blitzingmousetrapobstructionpass completionsafety blitzshotstroketakeawaytrap play
Full Hyponyms:aceapproachassistbackhandbackhand driveball hawkingbaseball playbaseball swingblockingbreakcaromcheckchipchopcompletioncrosscheckcutdouble faultdouble playdownswingdrivedrop shotexplosionfaultfigurefigure eightfootfaultfootworkforehandforehand drivegetgolf strokeground strokehalf volleyhookicinginterferencejuggleryletlobmassemiscuemousetrapobstructionoverheadparrypassing shotpick-offpitchpoke checkputtreturnsafety blitzsafety squeeze playsclaffserveshankslicespread eaglesqueeze playstrokesuicide squeeze playswipetakeawayteeofftennis stroketrap blocktriple playtwo-handed backhandvolley
nnoun.statea state in which action is feasibleExamples:- the ball was still in play
- insiders said the company's stock was in play
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:action activeness activity
Inherited Hypernyms:playactionstateattributeabstractionentity
nnoun.actutilization or exerciseExamples:- the play of the imagination
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:employment exercise usage use utilisation utilization
Inherited Hypernyms:playuseactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
nnoun.actan attempt to get somethingSynset:bid
Examples:- they made a futile play for power
- he made a bid to gain attention
Derivationally Related Form:bid
Hypernyms:attempt effort endeavor endeavour try
Inherited Hypernyms:bidattemptactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
nnoun.actactivity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rulesSynset:child's play
Examples:- Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:diversion recreation
Inherited Hypernyms:playdiversionactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:doctorfiremanhouse
Full Hyponyms:doctorfiremanhouse
nnoun.time(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceedsTopic:game
Synset:period of play playing period
Examples:- rain stopped play in the 4th inning
Derivationally Related Form:play
Part Holonyms:athletic game
Hypernyms:amount measure quantity
Inherited Hypernyms:playing periodmeasureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:golf holeholeset
Part Meronyms:chukka chukker final period first period half frame inning over period quarter second period bout round turn
Full Hyponyms:doglegholeset
nnoun.statethe removal of constraintsSynset:free rein
Examples:- he gave free rein to his impulses
- they gave full play to the artist's talent
Hypernyms:freedom
Inherited Hypernyms:free reinfreedomstateattributeabstractionentity
nnoun.eventa weak and tremulous lightSynset:shimmer
Examples:- the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
- the play of light on the water
Derivationally Related Form:shimmershimmeryplay
Hypernyms:alteration change modification
Inherited Hypernyms:shimmerchangehappeningeventpsychological featureabstractionentity
nnoun.communicationverbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)Synset:fun sport
Examples:- he became a figure of fun
- he said it in sport
Hypernyms:humor humour wit witticism wittiness
Inherited Hypernyms:funwitmessagecommunicationabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:clowningcomedydrolleryfunninessjocosityjocularityparonomasiapunpunningwaggerywaggishnesswordplay
Full Hyponyms:drolleryjocositypunwaggery
nnoun.attributemovement or space for movementSynset:looseness
Examples:- there was too much play in the steering wheel
Antonyms:tightness
Derivationally Related Form:looseplay
Hypernyms:movability movableness
Inherited Hypernyms:loosenessmovabilitymobilityqualityattributeabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:slackslacknesswiggliness
Full Hyponyms:slackwiggliness
nnoun.actgay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusementSynset:caper frolic gambol romp
Examples:- it was all done in play
- their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
Derivationally Related Form:playrompgambolfroliccaper
Hypernyms:diversion recreation
Inherited Hypernyms:playdiversionactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:coquetrycrazinessdallianceflirtflirtationflirtingfollyfoolerygamehorseplayindulgencelunacyteasingtomfoolerytoyingword play
Full Hyponyms:buffooneryflirtfollygamehorseplaymeshugaasshtikteasingword play
nnoun.act(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed successionTopic:game
Synset:turn
Examples:- it is my turn
- it is still my play
Hypernyms:activity
Inherited Hypernyms:turnactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:at-batattackbatdowninningsleadmoveruffstartstartingtricktrumping
Full Hyponyms:attackbatcapturecastlecheckcheckmatechess movecounterattackdiscovered checkdownen passantexchangefollow-ongambitinningsleadmoveruffstarttrick
nnoun.actthe act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)Synset:gambling gaming
Examples:- his gambling cost him a fortune
- there was heavy play at the blackjack table
Derivationally Related Form:gamblegameplay
Hypernyms:diversion recreation vice
Inherited Hypernyms:gamblingdiversionactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Inherited Hypernyms:gamblingvicetransgressionwrongdoingactivityacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:betgambling gamegame of chancesporting lifethrowwager
Full Hyponyms:banking gamebetcastcrap shootingcrapsdaily doubleexactafantanflipgame of chancelotterylucky dipnaturalnumbers poolparimutuelparlayplace betraffleroulettesporting lifesuperfectasweepstakesthrowtombola
nnoun.actthe act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfullySynset:swordplay
Hypernyms:action
Inherited Hypernyms:playactionacteventpsychological featureabstractionentity
Direct Hyponyms:fencing
vverb.competitionparticipate in games or sportExamples:- We played hockey all afternoon
- play cards
- Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
Derivationally Related Form:playerplayingplay
Hypernyms:compete contend vie
Inherited Hypernyms:playcompete
Direct Hyponyms:acebackstopbandybidbowlbully offcallcatchcompletecradlecricketcroquetcurldevelopdieexitface offfieldfoulfullbackfumblegamblegolfline upmisplaynailplay output outputtquarterbackreplayrevokeseesawsnookerstarttee offteeter-totterteetertotterunblockvolleywalk
Full Troponyms:aceantebackstopbandybetbet onbidbowlcatchcompletecradlecricketcroquetcurldevelopdicediedoubleexitface offfieldfoulfullbackfumblegamblegolfhackline upmisplayoutbidoutcalloverbidparlayplayplay outpreemptput outputtquarterbackraisereplayrevokeseeshoot crapsshuttlecockskittlesnookerstarttee offteeter-totterunblockunderbidunderplayvolleywalk
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Somebody ---s
vverb.socialact or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcomeExamples:- This factor played only a minor part in his decision
- This development played into her hands
- I played no role in your dismissal
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:act move
Inherited Hypernyms:playact
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Something ---s something
vverb.creationplay on an instrumentTopic:music
Examples:- The band played all night long
Derivationally Related Form:playerplaying
Hypernyms:perform
Inherited Hypernyms:playperformre-createmake
Direct Hyponyms:accompanybowbuskfollowplay alongsound offstrike upswingsymphonisesymphonize
Full Troponyms:bowbuskplay alongsound offswingsymphonize
Sentence Frame:Something ---s | Somebody ---s | Sam and Sue --- (apply to: play)
vverb.creationplay a role or partTopic:performing arts
Synset:act represent
Examples:- Gielgud played Hamlet
- She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
- She played the servant to her husband's master
Derivationally Related Form:playeractingactactorrepresentationactableplayingplay
Hypernyms:re-create
Inherited Hypernyms:actre-createmake
Direct Hyponyms:act outemoteenactimpersonatemakemake believeparodyportraypretendreenactsupport
Full Troponyms:act outemoteenactgo through the motionsimpersonatemakeparodysupport
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Somebody ---s somebody | Somebody ---s
vverb.socialbe at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of childrenExamples:- The kids were playing outside all day
- I used to play with trucks as a little girl
Derivationally Related Form:playingplay
Hypernyms:act
Inherited Hypernyms:playact
Direct Hyponyms:arse aroundcavortdabbledisportfoolfool aroundfriskfrolicgambolhorse aroundlarklark aboutpaddlerollickromproughhouserun aroundskylarksplash aroundsport
Full Troponyms:dabblefrolichorse aroundroughhouse
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s
vverb.creationreplay (as a melody)Synset:spiel
Examples:- Play it again, Sam
- She played the third movement very beautifully
Derivationally Related Form:playing
Hypernyms:re-create
Inherited Hypernyms:playre-createmake
Direct Hyponyms:bang outbuglefiddlejazzmisplaymodulatepreluderagrecapitulaterepeatreplayreprisereprizeriffslurtongue
Full Troponyms:bang outbugledouble tonguefiddlejazzmisplaymodulatepreluderagreplayrepriseriffslurtongue
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | They will --- the duet (apply to: play)
vverb.creationperform music on (a musical instrument)Topic:musicmusic
Examples:- He plays the flute
- Can you play on this old recorder?
Derivationally Related Form:playing
Hypernyms:sound
Inherited Hypernyms:playsound
Direct Hyponyms:beatchordclariondrumfiddleharppiperegisterskirltrumpettweedle
Full Troponyms:beatchordclariondrumfiddleharppiperegisterskirltrumpettweedle
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.bodypretend to have certain qualities or state of mindSynset:act act as
Examples:- He acted the idiot
- She plays deaf when the news are bad
Derivationally Related Form:act
Hypernyms:act behave do
Inherited Hypernyms:actact
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s somebody
vverb.motionmove or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularlyExamples:- The spotlights played on the politicians
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:go locomote move travel
Inherited Hypernyms:playtravel
Sentence Frame:Something is ---ing PP
vverb.competitionbet or wager (money)Examples:- He played $20 on the new horse
- She plays the races
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:gamble
Inherited Hypernyms:playgambleplaycompete
Direct Hyponyms:underplay
Full Troponyms:underplay
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.socialengage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversionSynset:recreate
Examples:- On weekends I play
- The students all recreate alike
Derivationally Related Form:recreationplayingplay
Inherited Hypernyms:play
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s
vverb.creationpretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activityExamples:- Let's play like I am mommy
- Play cowboy and Indians
Hypernyms:assume feign sham simulate
Inherited Hypernyms:playsimulatedissemble
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Somebody ---s somebody | Somebody ---s that CLAUSE
vverb.creationemit recorded soundExamples:- The tape was playing for hours
- the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
Hypernyms:sound
Inherited Hypernyms:playsound
Sentence Frame:Something ---s | Something ---s something
vverb.creationperform on a certain locationTopic:performing arts
Examples:- The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
- She has been playing on Broadway for years
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:perform
Inherited Hypernyms:playperformre-createmake
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.competitionput (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card gameExamples:- He is playing his cards close to his chest
- The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:deploy
Inherited Hypernyms:playdeploypositionputmove
Direct Hyponyms:coverdeclarepitch
Full Troponyms:coverdeclarepitch
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.bodyengage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriouslySynset:toy
Examples:- They played games on their opponents
- play the stock market
- play with her feelings
- toy with an idea
Derivationally Related Form:toyplaying
Hypernyms:act behave do
Inherited Hypernyms:playact
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.socialbehave in a certain wayExamples:- play safe
- play it safe
- play fair
Hypernyms:act move
Inherited Hypernyms:playact
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s | Something ---s something Adjective/Noun | Somebody ---s Adjective
vverb.creationcause to emit recorded audio or videoSynset:run
Examples:- They ran the tapes over and over again
- I'll play you my favorite record
- He never tires of playing that video
Inherited Hypernyms:play
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Something ---s something | Sam and Sue --- the movie (apply to: run, play)
vverb.contactmanipulate manually or in one's mind or imaginationSynset:diddle fiddle toy
Examples:- She played nervously with her wedding ring
- Don't fiddle with the screws
- He played with the idea of running for the Senate
Derivationally Related Form:fiddler
Hypernyms:manipulate
Inherited Hypernyms:toymanipulatehandletouch
Direct Hyponyms:put outretire
Full Troponyms:put out
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s PP
vverb.consumptionuse to one's advantageExamples:- She plays on her clients' emotions
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:exploit work
Inherited Hypernyms:playexploituse
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s PP
vverb.cognitionconsider not very seriouslySynset:dally trifle
Examples:- He is trifling with her
- She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
Hypernyms:consider deal look at take
Inherited Hypernyms:dallyconsiderthink aboutthink
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s PP | Sam wants to --- with Sue (apply to: trifle, dally, play)
vverb.stativebe received or accepted or interpreted in a specific wayExamples:- This speech didn't play well with the American public
- His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
Inherited Hypernyms:play
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s
vverb.socialbehave carelessly or indifferentlySynset:dally flirt toy
Examples:- Play about with a young girl's affection
Derivationally Related Form:flirtingdalliancetoying
Hypernyms:act move
Inherited Hypernyms:dallyact
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s | Somebody ---s PP
vverb.motioncause to move or operate freely within a bounded spaceExamples:- The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:displace move
Inherited Hypernyms:playmove
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Something ---s something
vverb.creationperform on a stage or theaterTopic:dramatic artdramaticsdramaturgytheatertheatre
Synset:act playact roleplay
Examples:- She acts in this play
- He acted in 'Julius Caesar'
- I played in 'A Christmas Carol'
Derivationally Related Form:roleplayingplayeractingplayactoractactoractableplayingplayactingplay
Hypernyms:perform
Inherited Hypernyms:actperformre-createmake
Direct Hyponyms:hamham it upmimeoveractoverplaypantomimestoogeunderactunderplay
Full Troponyms:mimeoveractstoogeunderact
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s
vverb.creationbe performed or presented for public viewingTopic:performing arts
Examples:- What's playing in the local movie theater?
- 'Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
Derivationally Related Form:play
Inherited Hypernyms:play
Direct Hyponyms:debut
Full Troponyms:debut
Sentence Frame:Something ---s | Something is ---ing PP
vverb.creationcause to happen or to occur as a consequenceSynset:bring make for work wreak
Examples:- I cannot work a miracle
- wreak havoc
- bring comments
- play a joke
- The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
Derivationally Related Form:workable
Hypernyms:create make
Inherited Hypernyms:bringmake
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Something ---s something
vverb.contactdischarge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous streamExamples:- play water from a hose
- The fountains played all day
Hypernyms:discharge
Inherited Hypernyms:playdischargespread
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Something ---s
vverb.competitionmake betsExamples:- Play the races
- play the casinos in Trouville
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:bet play wager
Inherited Hypernyms:playbetgambleplaycompete
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.competitionstake on the outcome of an issueSynset:bet wager
Examples:- I bet $100 on that new horse
- She played all her money on the dark horse
Derivationally Related Form:bettorwagerbetterbetwagererplay
Hypernyms:gamble
Inherited Hypernyms:betgambleplaycompete
Direct Hyponyms:backbet ongagegameplaypuntraiseseestake
Full Troponyms:antebet onparlayplayraisesee
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Somebody ---s | They --- the money (apply to: bet)
vverb.competitionshoot or hit in a particular mannerExamples:- She played a good backhand last night
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:hit
Inherited Hypernyms:playhitpropelmove
Direct Hyponyms:hook
Full Troponyms:hook
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.competitionuse or moveDerivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:apply employ use utilise utilize
Inherited Hypernyms:playuse
Direct Hyponyms:promote
Full Troponyms:promotequeen
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something
vverb.competitionemploy in a game or in a specific positionExamples:- They played him on first base
Derivationally Related Form:play
Hypernyms:apply employ use utilise utilize
Inherited Hypernyms:playuse
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s somebody
vverb.competitioncontend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battleSynset:encounter meet take on
Examples:- Princeton plays Yale this weekend
- Charlie likes to play Mary
Derivationally Related Form:meetencounterplayingplay
Inherited Hypernyms:meet
Direct Hyponyms:confrontfacereplay
Entailment:compete contend vie
Full Troponyms:confrontfrontpitreplaytake the bull by the horns
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s somebody | Sam and Sue --- (apply to: meet, play) | Sam cannot --- Sue (apply to: meet, play)
vverb.bodyexhaust by allowing to pull on the lineHypernyms:beat exhaust tucker tucker out wash up
Inherited Hypernyms:playexhausttireindisposechange
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something