play
To engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than for a serious or practical purpose. It is also used to describe participating in a sport or performing music on an instrument.
Examples
3 of 5The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.
The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.
The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.
The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.
Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?
Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Player' on a 'Playground' having fun while they 'Play'.
Quick Quiz
Every weekend, my brother and I ___ soccer in the park.
Correct!
The correct answer is: play
Examples
The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.
everydayThe children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.
The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.
formalThe orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.
Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?
informalHey, do you want to play some video games at my house?
Sociologists often study how children play to understand social hierarchies.
academicSociologists often study how children play to understand social hierarchies.
Innovation plays a vital role in our company's long-term strategy.
businessInnovation plays a vital role in our company's long-term strategy.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
play it safe
play it safe
play fair
play fair
play a trick
play a trick
Often Confused With
'Play' is the action (verb), while 'game' is the activity or event (noun).
Use 'play' for team sports with balls (play football), but use 'do' for individual exercises (do yoga).
Usage Notes
When talking about musical instruments, always use 'the' before the instrument name (e.g., play the guitar). For sports, do not use 'the' (e.g., play basketball).
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'play a sport' for everything, but you shouldn't use it for activities like swimming or gymnastics; use 'go' or 'do' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Player' on a 'Playground' having fun while they 'Play'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'plegan', meaning to move rapidly, occupy oneself, or exercise.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'playing sports' is a primary way children and adults socialize and build community.
Quick Quiz
Every weekend, my brother and I ___ soccer in the park.
Correct!
The correct answer is: play
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
unformible
C1A noun referring to an entity, substance, or abstract concept that resists being shaped, structured, or categorized into a standard mold. It is often used in technical or philosophical contexts to describe something inherently chaotic or unstructured that defies traditional organization.
overpedery
C1Describes a state or quality of being excessively concerned with minor details, formal rules, or displaying academic knowledge in a tedious way. It is typically used to criticize someone for being 'too much of a pedant' in their approach to a task or subject.
entractery
C1Describing something that occurs during or pertains to an intermission or the interval between main acts of a performance. It is often used to characterize supplementary entertainment, music, or transitional activities that fill the gap between primary events.
nonceddom
C1To designate or treat an entity, such as a word or a technical variable, as a temporary 'nonce' item created for a single, specific occasion. It involves isolating a concept so it does not become a permanent part of a system or vocabulary.
misvertible
C1To incorrectly convert, transpose, or invert a sequence, data set, or logical statement. This verb describes the specific act of failing to maintain accuracy during a transformation process, resulting in a flawed output.
perivestance
C1The state or act of surrounding an object or entity, often providing a protective, decorative, or atmospheric layer. It refers to the encompassing environment or the 'clothing' of a central core with external elements.
obscribic
C1To write over existing text or markings in order to conceal, invalidate, or replace them. It specifically refers to the act of using new writing to obscure what was previously written on a surface.
abflexism
C1To consciously or unconsciously contract the abdominal muscles and core as a response to physical or psychological stressors. This verb describes the act of adopting a rigid internal posture to display strength, maintain stability, or resist external pressure.
interarchship
C1Relating to the structural or functional relationship existing between two dental or physiological arches, typically the upper and lower jaws. It describes the state of alignment, spacing, and interaction between these opposing structures in a clinical or biological context.
trimarship
C1Describing a state of balanced three-way coordination or a structure characterized by tripartite leadership. It is typically used to define systems where three distinct entities share equal power or responsibility to maintain stability.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free