Definition

Verb (intransitive and transitive) 1. To experiment or tinker with something in a non-serious, casual, or amateurish way. 2. To be sexually unfaithful; to have casual sexual relationships outside of a committed partnership.

Usage

The verb "play around" is often used with the preposition "with" when referring to experimenting with objects or ideas. When referring to infidelity, it is used without an object. It is an informal phrasal verb.

Examples

• Experimenting/Tinkering:

  • He likes to play around with different software programs in his free time.
  • Don't play around with the thermostat; you'll break it.
  • I'm just playing around with the idea of starting a blog.

• Being Unfaithful:

  • Rumors suggest he plays around when he's on business trips.
  • She found out her husband had been playing around.

Advanced Usage

• "play around with the thought/idea of": To consider something casually or hypothetically.
  • We've been playing around with the idea of moving to the coast.

Variants and Related Words

• Dabble (verb): To take a casual or superficial interest or involvement in an activity. (e.g., )
• Fool around (verb): Can be a synonym for both experimenting idly ("Stop fooling around with that!") and engaging in casual sexual activity.
• Toy with (phrasal verb): To consider or handle something without serious intent. (e.g., / )

Synonyms

• Experiment (with): To try out new ideas or methods.
• Tinker (with): To attempt to repair or adjust something in a casual way.
• Philander: To have many casual sexual relationships (specifically for men, often dated).
• Cheat: To act dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage; in relationships, to be unfaithful.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Mess around: Very similar in meaning, can mean to waste time, experiment, or engage in casual sexual activity.
  • He spent the afternoon messing around in the garage.
  • She accused him of messing around.

Related Idioms

• Play the field: To date or have romantic relationships with many people, not committing to one.
  • He's not ready to settle down; he's still playing the field.

Verb

1. work with in an amateurish manner
   • She dabbles in astronomy
   • He plays around with investments but he never makes any money
2. commit adultery
   • he plays around a lot