Game vs. Play: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Game refers to a structured form of play, typically characterized by specific rules and objectives. In contrast, play encompasses a broader spectrum of activities, which are often unstructured and driven by imagination.
Key Differences
A game is a structured form of play, typically undertaken for entertainment or fun, and often used as an educational tool. Games are distinct from work, which is usually carried out for remuneration, and from art, which is more often an expression of aesthetic or ideological elements. However, the distinction is not clear-cut, and many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator sports/games) or art (such as jigsaw puzzles or games involving an artistic layout such as Mahjong, solitaire, or some video games).
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Play is a range of voluntary, intrinsically motivated activities normally associated with recreational pleasure and enjoyment. Play is commonly associated with children and juvenile-level activities, but play occurs at any life stage and among other higher-functioning animals as well, most notably mammals and birds. In contrast, a game is more structured, having set rules and objectives. Games are a subset of play, being a more structured activity, while play is a more general concept encompassing all enjoyable activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Games typically have a goal or objective which a player aims to achieve. They often involve mental or physical stimulation, and often both. Many games help develop practical skills, serve as a form of exercise, or otherwise perform an educational, simulational, or psychological role. Conversely, play can be unstructured and may not have any specific goals or objectives. Play can be a free-form activity that allows for creativity and imagination.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Games are often designed with a set of rules and can be played alone or in a group. They can be competitive, where players oppose each other, or cooperative, where players work together towards a common goal. Play, on the other hand, may or may not involve rules and is often a more social and interactive process. Play can include activities like pretend play, storytelling, or simply enjoying leisure activities without any competitive aspect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In summary, while all games are a form of play, not all play constitutes a game. Games are specific activities with rules and objectives, often designed for entertainment or educational purposes. Play is a more general term that includes a wide range of activities, often unstructured and driven by intrinsic motivation for enjoyment, creativity, or relaxation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Structure
Structured with set rules and objectives
Often unstructured, more open-ended
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Nov 14, 2023
Purpose
Entertainment, education, competition
Enjoyment, creativity, exploration
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Participation
Can be solitary or group activity
Typically a social and interactive process
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Goals and Objectives
Defined goals or objectives to be achieved
No specific goals, focus on process and experience
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Nov 14, 2023
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Game and Play Definitions
Game
An electronic form of interactive entertainment.
She spent hours playing her favorite video game.
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Nov 14, 2023
Play
Perform in a theatrical production or movie.
He will play the lead role in the upcoming play.
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Nov 14, 2023
Game
An activity engaged in for amusement.
The children played a board game on a rainy day.
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Nov 14, 2023
Play
Manipulate or handle something in a skillful manner.
She can play the violin beautifully.
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Nov 14, 2023
Game
A scheme or strategy.
In politics, understanding the game is crucial for success.
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Nov 14, 2023
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Play
Represent a character in a performance.
She's excited to play Cinderella in the school drama.
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Nov 14, 2023
Game
An activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime
Party games.
Word games.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Allow for flexibility or movement.
The machine's parts have too much play and need tightening.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Game
A competitive activity or sport in which players contend with each other according to a set of rules
The game of basketball.
The game of gin rummy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
To occupy oneself in an activity for amusement or recreation
Children playing with toys.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To take part in a sport or game
He's just a beginner and doesn't play well.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Games An organized athletic program or contest
Track-and-field games.
Took part in the winter games.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A period of competition or challenge
It was too late in the game to change the schedule of the project.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To behave in a teasing or joking manner; act in jest or sport
She's not angry with you.
She's just playing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The total number of points required to win a game
One hundred points is game in bridge.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To deal or behave carelessly or indifferently, especially for one's own amusement; toy
She isn't interested in you.
She's just playing with you.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The score accumulated at any given time in a game
The game is now 14 to 12.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To act or conduct oneself in a specified way
Play fair.
An investor who plays cautiously.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The equipment needed for playing certain games
Packed the children's games in the car.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A particular style or manner of playing a game
Improved my tennis game with practice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
An active interest or pursuit, especially one involving competitive engagement or adherence to rules
"the way the system operates, the access game, the turf game, the image game" (Hedrick Smith).
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To be performed, as in a theater or on television
A good movie is playing tonight.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To be received or accepted
A speech that played poorly with the voters.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Evasive, trifling, or manipulative behavior
Wanted a straight answer, not more of their tiresome games.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
The breeze played on the water.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A calculated strategy or approach; a scheme
I saw through their game from the very beginning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To function or discharge uninterruptedly
The fountains played in the courtyard.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(Mathematics) A model of a competitive situation that identifies interested parties and stipulates rules governing all aspects of the competition, used in game theory to determine the optimal course of action for an interested party.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To move or operate freely within a bounded space, as machine parts do.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
An object of attack, ridicule, or pursuit
The press considered the candidate's indiscretions to be game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To compete in a game or sport at (a location)
The New York Yankees played Fenway Park last night.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Mockery; sport
The older children teased and made game of the newcomer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To occupy or work at (a position) in a game
Lou Gehrig played first base.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
To manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; rig
Executives who gamed the system to get huge payoffs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To put (a player) at a position in a sport or in a game
Let's play her at first base.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To hit (a ball, shot, or stroke), as in tennis
Played a strong backhand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Plucky and unyielding in spirit; resolute
She put up a game fight against her detractors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To attempt to keep or gain possession or control of
No foul was called because he was playing the ball.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To pretend to be; mimic the activities of
Played cowboy.
Played the star.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A playful activity that may be unstructured; an amusement or pastime.
Being a child is all fun and games.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To perform (a theatrical work or part of a work)
The actors played the scene with great skill.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(countable) An activity described by a set of rules, especially for the purpose of entertainment, often competitive or having an explicit goal.
Games in the classroom can make learning fun.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
To present a theatrical performance or other entertainment in (a given place)
The company played Boston last week.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(countable) A particular instance of playing a game.
Sally won the game.
They can turn the game around in the second half.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To perform or put into effect, especially as a jest or deception
Play a joke on a friend.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The number of points necessary to win a game.
In short whist, five points are game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(card games) In some games, a point awarded to the player whose cards add up to the largest sum.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To use or manipulate, especially for one's own interests
Played his opponents against each other.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(countable) The equipment that enables such activity, particularly as packaged under a title.
Some of the games in the closet we have on the computer as well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Game
One's manner, style, or performance in playing a game.
Study can help your game of chess.
Hit the gym if you want to toughen up your game.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
To cause (a movie, audiotape, or other recording) to be presented in audible or visible form.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To discharge or direct in a certain direction
Played the water on the burning roof.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To cause to move rapidly, lightly, or irregularly
Play lights over the dance floor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A field of gainful activity, as an industry or profession.
When it comes to making sales, John is the best in the game.
He's in the securities game somehow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Game
Something that resembles a game with rules, despite not being designed.
In the game of life, you may find yourself playing the waiting game far too often.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
An exercise simulating warfare, whether computerized or involving human participants.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(uncountable) wild animals hunted for food.
The forest has plenty of game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The ability to seduce someone, usually by strategy.
He didn't get anywhere with her because he had no game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
The act or manner of engaging in a game or sport
After a time-out, play resumed. The golf tournament featured expert play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(countable) A questionable or unethical practice in pursuit of a goal.
You want to borrow my credit card for a week? What's your game?
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
The act or manner of using a card, piece, or ball in a game or sport
My partner's play of the last trump.
His clumsy play of the rebound.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A move or an action in a game
It's your play. The runner was thrown out in a close play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(of an animal) That shows a tendency to continue to fight against another animal, despite being wounded, often severely.
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Play
Freedom or occasion for action; scope
Give full play to an artist's talents.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(transitive) To exploit loopholes in a system or bureaucracy in a way which defeats or nullifies the spirit of the rules in effect, usually to obtain a result which otherwise would be unobtainable.
We'll bury them in paperwork, and game the system.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Quick, often irregular movement or action, especially of light or color
The play of color on iridescent feathers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A control mechanism on an audio or video player that starts or resumes the audible or visual presentation of a recording.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Having a resolute, unyielding spirit, like the gamecock; ready to fight to the last; plucky.
I was game . . . .I felt that I could have fought even to the death.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A geological deposit, as of oil or natural gas, considered as a prospect for commercial extraction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Of or pertaining to such animals as are hunted for game, or to the act or practice of hunting.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
They played long and hard.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Game
Sport of any kind; jest, frolic.
We have had pastimes here, and pleasant game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
He plays on three teams
Who's playing now?
Play football
Play sports
Play games
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A contest, physical or mental, according to certain rules, for amusement, recreation, or for winning a stake; as, a game of chance; games of skill; field games, etc.
But war's a game, which, were their subject wise,Kings would not play at.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
(transitive) To compete against, in a game.
We're playing one of the top teams in the next round.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The use or practice of such a game; a single match at play; a single contest; as, a game at cards.
Talk the game o'er between the deal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(transitive) (in the scoring of games and sports) To be the opposing score to.
Look at the score now ... 23 plays 8!
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
That which is gained, as the stake in a game; also, the number of points necessary to be scored in order to win a game; as, in short whist five points are game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
In some games, a point credited on the score to the player whose cards counts up the highest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A scheme or art employed in the pursuit of an object or purpose; method of procedure; projected line of operations; plan; project.
Your murderous game is nearly up.
It was obviously Lord Macaulay's game to blacken the greatest literary champion of the cause he had set himself to attack.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
(transitive) To act as the indicated role, especially in a performance.
He plays the King, and she’s the Queen.
No part of the brain plays the role of permanent memory.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Animals pursued and taken by sportsmen; wild meats designed for, or served at, table.
Those species of animals . . . distinguished from the rest by the well-known appellation of game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
To rejoice; to be pleased; - often used, in Old English, impersonally with dative.
God loved he best with all his whole hearteAt alle times, though him gamed or smarte.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To produce music using a musical instrument.
I've practiced the piano off and on, but I still can't play very well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Game
To play for a stake or prize; to use cards, dice, billiards, or other instruments, according to certain rules, with a view to win money or some other thing waged upon the issue of the contest; to gamble.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
To produce music (or a specified song or musical style) using (a specified musical instrument).
I'll play the piano and you sing.
Can you play an instrument?
We especially like to play jazz together.
Play a song for me.
Do you know how to play Für Elise?
My son thinks he can play music.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To use a device to watch or listen to the indicated recording.
You can play the DVD now.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A contest with rules to determine a winner;
You need four people to play this game
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To be performed; to be shown.
His latest film is playing in the local theatre tomorrow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
An amusement or pastime;
They played word games
He thought of his painting as a game that filled his empty time
His life was all fun and games
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
The game equipment needed to play a game;
The child received several games for his birthday
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Your occupation or line of work;
He's in the plumbing game
She's in show biz
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
(games) the score at a particular point or the score needed to win;
The game is 6 all
He is serving for the game
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(intransitive) To act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless.
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal);
They concocted a plot to discredit the governor
I saw through his little game from the start
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(transitive) To bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in action; to execute.
To play tricks
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Frivolous or trifling behavior;
For actors, memorizing lines is no game
For him, life is all fun and games
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
Place a bet on;
Which horse are you backing?
I'm betting on the new horse
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate.
The fountain plays.
He played the torch beam around the room.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(transitive) To put in action or motion.
To play cannon upon a fortification
To play a trump in a card game
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Oct 19, 2023
Game
A competitive activity with rules and objectives.
Chess is a game that requires strategic thinking.
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Nov 14, 2023
Game
A playful or competitive event or sport.
The football game attracted thousands of fans.
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Nov 14, 2023
Play
Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
Children learn through play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(uncountable) Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
This kind of play helps the young lion cubs develop their hunting skills.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(uncountable) The conduct, or course, of a game.
Play was very slow in the first half.
After the rain break, play resumed at 3 o'clock.
The game was abandoned after 20 minutes' play
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(uncountable) An individual's performance in a sport or game.
His play has improved a lot this season.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(countable) A short sequence of action within a game.
That was a great play by the Mudchester Rovers forward.
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Play
(countable) A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
This book contains all of Shakespeare's plays.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(countable) A theatrical performance featuring actors.
We saw a two-act play in the theatre.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(countable) An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
ABC Widgets makes a play in the bicycle market with its bid to take over Acme Sprockets.
Turpin signals the Metric Party's long-term play for housing reform
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(countable) A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(uncountable) Movement (of a pattern of light etc.)
The play of light and shadow across the boy's face
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(uncountable) The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
No wonder the fanbelt is slipping: there’s too much play in it.
Too much play in a steering wheel may be dangerous.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot.
As Cannace was playing in her walk.
The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day,Had he thy reason, would he skip and play!
And some, the darlings of their Lord,Play smiling with the flame and sword.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless.
"Nay," quod this monk, "I have no lust to pleye."
Men are apt to play with their healths.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To contend, or take part, in a game; as, to play ball; hence, to gamble; as, he played for heavy stakes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To perform on an instrument of music; as, to play on a flute.
One that . . . can play well on an instrument.
Play, my friend, and charm the charmer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To act; to behave; to practice deception.
His mother played false with a smith.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To move in any manner; especially, to move regularly with alternate or reciprocating motion; to operate; to act; as, the fountain plays.
The heart beats, the blood circulates, the lungs play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To move gayly; to wanton; to disport.
Even as the waving sedges play with wind.
The setting sunPlays on their shining arms and burnished helmets.
All fame is foreign but of true desert,Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart.
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Play
To act on the stage; to personate a character.
A lord will hear your play to-night.
Courts are theaters where some men play.
Art thou alive?Or is it fantasy that plays upon our eyesight.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a fortification; to play a trump.
First Peace and Silence all disputes control,Then Order plays the soul.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To perform, as a piece of music, on an instrument; as, to play a waltz on the violin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To bring into sportive or wanton action; to exhibit in action; to execute; as, to play tricks.
Nature hereWantoned as in her prime, and played at willHer virgin fancies.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To act or perform (a play); to represent in music action; as, to play a comedy; also, to act in the character of; to represent by acting; to simulate; to behave like; as, to play King Lear; to play the woman.
Thou canst play the rational if thou wilt.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
To engage in, or go together with, as a contest for amusement or for a wager or prize; as, to play a game at baseball.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Any exercise, or series of actions, intended for amusement or diversion; a game.
John naturally loved rough play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
The act or practice of contending for victory, amusement, or a prize, as at dice, cards, or billiards; gaming; as, to lose a fortune in play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Action; use; employment; exercise; practice; as, fair play; sword play; a play of wit.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A dramatic composition; a comedy or tragedy; a composition in which characters are represented by dialogue and action.
A play ought to be a just image of human nature.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
The representation or exhibition of a comedy or tragedy; as, he attends ever play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Motion; movement, regular or irregular; as, the play of a wheel or piston; hence, also, room for motion; free and easy action.
The joints are let exactly into one another, that they have no play between them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Hence, liberty of acting; room for enlargement or display; scope; as, to give full play to mirth.
I, with two more to help me,Will hold the foe in play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage;
He wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A preset plan of action in team sports;
The coach drew up the plays for her team
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill;
He made a great maneuver
The runner was out on a play by the shortstop
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A state in which action is feasible;
The ball was still in play
Insiders said the company's stock was in play
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Play
An attempt to get something;
They made a futile play for power
He made a bid to gain attention
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Play by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules;
Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds;
Rain stopped play in the 4th inning
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
The removal of constraints;
He gave free rein to his impulses
They gave full play to the artist's talent
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
A weak and tremulous light;
The shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers
The play of light on the water
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Verbal wit (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously);
He became a figure of fun
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Oct 19, 2023
Play
Movement or space for movement;
There was too much play in the steering wheel
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Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
The activity of doing something in an agreed succession;
It is my turn
It is still my play
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Participate in games or sport;
We played hockey all afternoon
Play cards
Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Replay (as a melody);
Play it again, Sam
She played the third movement very beautifully
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Perform music on (a musical instrument);
He plays the flute
Can you play on this old recorder?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind;
He acted the idiot
She plays deaf when the news are bad
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly;
The spotlights played on the politicians
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Bet or wager (money);
He played $20 on the new horse
She plays the races
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion;
On weekends I play
The students all recreate alike
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity;
Let's play like I am mommy
Play cowboy and Indians
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Emit recorded sound;
The tape was playing for hours
The stereo was playing Beethoven when I entered
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Perform on a certain location;
The prodigy played Carnegie Hall at the age of 16
She has been playing on Broadway for years
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously;
They played games on their opponents
Play the stockmarket
Play with her feelings
Toy with an idea
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Cause to emit recorded sounds;
They ran the tapes over and over again
Can you play my favorite record?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Consider not very seriously;
He is trifling with her
She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Behave carelessly or indifferently;
Play about with a young girl's affection
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space;
The engine has a wheel that is playing in a rack
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Perform on a stage or theater;
She acts in this play
He acted in `Julius Caesar'
I played in `A Christmas Carol'
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Be performed;
What's playing in the local movie theater?
`Cats' has been playing on Broadway for many years
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream;
Play water from a hose
The fountains played all day
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Stake on the outcome of an issue;
I bet $100 on that new horse
She played all her money on the dark horse
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Shoot or hit in a particular manner;
She played a good backhand last night
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Employ in a game or in a specific position;
They played him on first base
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle;
Princeton plays Yale this weekend
Charlie likes to play Mary
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Play
Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation.
The kids love to play at the park.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'play' always recreational?
Typically, but it can also have educational or developmental roles.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is 'play' used in theater?
Yes, it refers to performing in or watching a theatrical production.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can 'game' mean a strategy?
Yes, it can refer to a plan or strategy in various contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Are all games competitive?
No, some games are cooperative or solo activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is 'play' used in music?
Yes, it refers to the act of performing music on an instrument.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can games be educational?
Yes, many games are designed with educational purposes in mind.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can 'game' refer to a physical activity?
Yes, games can be physical like soccer or basketball.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Does 'play' imply imagination?
Often, especially in children's play which involves creativity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Does 'play' have a role in sports?
Yes, it refers to the act of participating in a sport.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can 'play' be a solo activity?
Yes, one can play alone, like playing a musical instrument.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Do all games have winners and losers?
Not necessarily; some games focus on the experience rather than winning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Are there electronic forms of play?
Yes, electronic toys and digital platforms offer play opportunities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Are games a form of art?
Some games, like video games, can be considered a form of art.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can 'game' refer to wildlife?
Yes, in a different context, it refers to wild animals hunted for sport.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is improvisation a form of play?
Yes, it's a spontaneous and creative form of play.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Do games have cultural significance?
Yes, many games are culturally significant and reflect societal values.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is 'play' important for development?
Yes, especially for children, as it aids in learning and social skills.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
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