toy

/tɔi/

Friendly

Word: Toy

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Definition:

1. Noun:

   • A toy is an object that children (or sometimes adults) play with. It can be anything from a small doll, a car, or even a stuffed animal. Toys are often designed to be fun and entertaining.
   • In a different context, "toy" can refer to very small dog breeds that are kept as pets, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians.
   • It can also mean a small model or replica of something, like a toy airplane or a toy stove.
   • Sometimes, "toy" can refer to things that are luxuries for rich people, such as private airplanes (“a rich man's toy”).

2. Verb:

   • To toy with something means to play with it lightly, or to engage with an idea without taking it seriously. For example, you might toy with the idea of going on vacation.
   • It can also mean to manipulate something or someone, often in a careless way. For example, "He toyed with her feelings" means that he didn’t take her emotions seriously.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "toy" as a noun when talking about items for play, pets, or small replicas.
• Use "toy" as a verb when referring to engaging with something lightly or playing with ideas or feelings.

Examples:

• Noun: "The child has many toys in her room."
• Noun (small dog): "My friend has a toy breed dog that fits in her handbag."
• Noun (replica): "He bought a toy model of a race car."
• Verb: "She likes to toy with different ideas for her art project."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or discussions, "to toy with" can imply a lack of seriousness about an important topic, such as "He toyed with the notion of changing careers, but never acted on it."

Word Variants:

• Toy-like (adjective): Resembling a toy; often used to describe things that are small or cute.
• Toying (verb form): The act of playing or engaging lightly with something.

Different Meanings:

• Toy (as a pet): Refers specifically to small dog breeds.
• Toy (as a luxury item): Can imply something that is not necessary but is enjoyable or extravagant.

Synonyms:

• Noun: Plaything, trinket, model, pet (when referring to the dog).
• Verb: Play, fiddle, manipulate, engage.

Idioms:

• "Toy with someone's emotions": To play with someone's feelings without serious intent; often leads to hurt feelings.
• "Don't toy with me": A phrase used to indicate that someone does not want to be taken lightly or that the matter is serious.

Academic

Noun

1. any of several breeds of very small dogs kept purely as pets
2. a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size
3. a device regarded as providing amusement
   • private airplanes are a rich man's toy
4. a nonfunctional replica of something else (frequently used as a modifier)
   • a toy stove
5. an artifact designed to be played with

Verb

1. 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
2. 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
3. behave carelessly or indifferently
   • Play about with a young girl's affection

Synonyms

• toy dog
• miniature
• plaything
• play
• fiddle
• diddle
• dally
• flirt