play
/pleɪ/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To take part in a game, sport, or activity for enjoyment. It can also mean to perform music, a role, or a part in a drama.
- The children play in the park every evening.
- She can play the violin very well.
- He will play Hamlet in the school drama.
noun
An activity done for enjoyment, especially a game or sport. It can also mean a theatre drama or performance.
- Football is a popular play in this area.
- The school put on a new play.
- We watched the play last night.
Adinary Nuance
Play is broader and lighter than many near-neighbors. Compared with "game", it can mean the activity itself, not only the thing you play with. Compared with "perform", it is more about acting, music, or sport in a general way, and less formal.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- chơi
- Spanish
- jugar
- Chinese
- 玩
- Japanese
- 遊ぶ
- Korean
- 놀다
Etymology
Old English playan meant 'to be active, move quickly, or amuse oneself'. It has kept the idea of active enjoyment since Anglo-Saxon times.
Common phrases
play a gameplay the pianoplay a roleplay around
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is play a common word in business writing?
- Yes, but mostly in phrases like "play a role" or "play a part".
- What is the difference between play and game?
- Play is the activity. A game is the structured thing or contest you play.
- Can play mean acting in theatre?
- Yes. You can say "play a role" or "act in a play".