plaything
/'pleiθiɳ/
Definition
Noun: An object, typically a small item, that is specifically made or used for amusement, entertainment, or recreation, especially by a child. It is an artifact designed to be played with.
Usage
The word "plaything" is a countable noun. It refers to a physical object intended for play. While it often refers to children's toys, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is treated lightly or manipulatively for someone else's amusement.
Examples
- The child's favorite plaything was a simple wooden train.
- The room was filled with colorful playthings.
- (Metaphorical) He felt like a mere plaything in their political games.
Advanced Usage
- "To be/become a plaything of (someone/something)": To be treated as an object to be used for amusement or manipulated, without regard for one's own feelings or autonomy.
- The small nation did not want to become a plaything of the superpowers.
- "Plaything of fate/fortune": A person whose life is controlled by unpredictable and often cruel external forces.
- In the novel, the protagonist sees himself as a helpless plaything of fate.
Variants and Related Words
- Toy (n): The most common and direct synonym for "plaything." While often interchangeable, "toy" is more frequent in everyday language.
- Game (n): An activity for amusement, often with rules. A "game" is an activity, while a "plaything" is an object used in that activity.
- Bauble (n): A small, inexpensive trinket or ornament. It can imply something showy but of little value, sometimes used as a plaything.
- Trinket (n): A small ornament or item of jewelry, often of little value. Can sometimes be used as a plaything.
Synonyms
- Toy
- Game (when referring to a physical object like a board game)
- Doll (specific type)
- Puzzle (specific type)
Antonyms
- Tool
- Implement
- Instrument
- Necessity
Related Idioms and Phrases
- A mere plaything: Emphasizes that something or someone is considered insignificant and only useful for amusement.
- To the giant corporation, our small startup was a mere plaything.
- Plaything of the gods: A classical literary concept describing a human whose life is arbitrarily controlled by divine beings for their entertainment.
- The tragic hero was but a plaything of the gods.
Noun
-
an artifact designed to be played with
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