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English - English (Wordnet) dictionary (also found in English - Vietnamese, Computing (FOLDOC))
play
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Noun
  • the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
  • the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
    • his gambling cost him a fortune
    • there was heavy play at the blackjack table
  • (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
    • it is my turn
    • it is still my play
  • gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
    • it was all done in play
    • their frolic in the surf threatened to become ugly
  • movement or space for movement
    • there was too much play in the steering wheel
  • verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
    • he became a figure of fun
    • he said it in sport
  • a weak and tremulous light
    • the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
    • the play of light on the water
  • the removal of constraints
    • he gave free rein to his impulses
    • they gave full play to the artist's talent
  • (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
    • rain stopped play in the 4th inning
  • activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
    • Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
  • an attempt to get something
    • they made a futile play for power
    • he made a bid to gain attention
  • utilization or exercise
    • the play of the imagination
  • a state in which action is feasible
    • the ball was still in play
    • insiders said the company's stock was in play
  • a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
    • he made a great maneuver
    • the runner was out on a play by the shortstop
  • a preset plan of action in team sports
    • the coach drew up the plays for her team
  • a theatrical performance of a drama
    • the play lasted two hours
  • a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
    • he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
Verb
  • exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
    • play a hooked fish
  • contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
    • Princeton plays Yale this weekend
    • Charlie likes to play Mary
  • employ in a game or in a specific position
    • They played him on first base
  • use or move
    • I had to play my queen
  • shoot or hit in a particular manner
    • She played a good backhand last night
  • stake on the outcome of an issue
    • I bet $100 on that new horse
    • She played all her money on the dark horse
  • make bets
    • Play the races
    • play the casinos in Trouville
  • discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
    • play water from a hose
    • The fountains played all day
  • cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
    • I cannot work a miracle
    • wreak havoc
    • bring comments
    • play a joke
    • The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area
  • be performed or presented for public viewing
    • What's playing in the local movie theater?
    • `Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
  • perform on a stage or theater
    • She acts in this play
    • He acted in `Julius Caesar'
    • I played in `A Christmas Carol'
  • cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
    • The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
  • behave carelessly or indifferently
    • Play about with a young girl's affection
  • be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
    • This speech didn't play well with the American public
    • His remarks played to the suspicions of the committee
  • consider not very seriously
    • He is trifling with her
    • She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
  • use to one's advantage
    • She plays on her clients' emotions
  • manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
    • She played nervously with her wedding ring
    • Don't fiddle with the screws
    • He played with the idea of running for the Senate
  • cause to emit recorded audio or video
    • They ran the tapes over and over again
    • I'll play you my favorite record
    • He never tires of playing that video
  • behave in a certain way
    • play safe
    • play it safe
    • play fair
  • engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
    • They played games on their opponents
    • play the stock market
    • play with her feelings
    • toy with an idea
  • put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
    • He is playing his cards close to his chest
    • The Democrats still have some cards to play before they will concede the electoral victory
  • perform on a certain location
    • The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
    • She has been playing on Broadway for years
  • emit recorded sound
    • The tape was playing for hours
    • the stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
  • pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
    • Let's play like I am mommy
    • Play cowboy and Indians
  • engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
    • On weekends I play
    • The students all recreate alike
  • bet or wager (money)
    • He played $20 on the new horse
    • She plays the races
  • move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
    • The spotlights played on the politicians
  • pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
    • He acted the idiot
    • She plays deaf when the news are bad
  • perform music on (a musical instrument)
    • He plays the flute
    • Can you play on this old recorder?
  • replay (as a melody)
    • Play it again, Sam
    • She played the third movement very beautifully
  • be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
    • The kids were playing outside all day
    • I used to play with trucks as a little girl
  • play a role or part
    • 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
  • play on an instrument
    • The band played all night long
  • act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
    • This factor played only a minor part in his decision
    • This development played into her hands
    • I played no role in your dismissal
  • participate in games or sport
    • We played hockey all afternoon
    • play cards
    • Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
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