To play meaning in English

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Definition

to play (tennis, the piano, a role): to participate in a game of (tennis); to perform on (the piano); to act out (a role) verb
I like to play tennis on the weekends.
Susie has played the violin since she was four years-old, she's a great musician.
Philip likes to play around. Philip enjoys having fun (or cheating on his wife!)
The actor playing Macbeth did a great job.
a player: a performer, a participant noun
a (theatre) play: a (theatre) production, drama, show noun

Examples

  • "MacCheeter theme song plays"
  • "Horatio : To crazy house, so you can play with other crazies."
  • "I didn't know you could play the guitar!"
  • "How about we play beach volleyball?"
  • "Horatio : No, I don't play the game."
  • "You know, just hanging out, playing some golf, leading the free world, that sort of thing."
  • "Horatio : Edward... Edward... Come to my laboratory later, we'll play with my snake."
  • "Bruno : I can't play the guitar."
  • "Card Player 2 : This horse is an outlaw!"
  • "Card Player 1 : Sheriff!"
  • "Play guiTar today"
  • "a 7-inch disc plays at the speed of 45 rpm (revolutions per minute);"
  • "Must get to the dance floor... play with a snake, put on trousers, photocopy Philip's butt."
  • "So play it again, Bruno."
  • "Card Player 2 : Well, Sheriff Wayne, what do you plan to do with this horse?"
  • "At what speed should I play a 7-inch disc?"
  • "You've probably never touched a vinyl record or even heard one played."
  • "Card Player 1 : Are you going to hang the horse in the public square?"
Exercise 1
"You've probably never touched a vinyl record or even heard one played."

Select the things which can be "played" correctly.

To play...
a record
a part
a trick
an action
a tune

"You've probably never touched a vinyl record or even heard one played."

Select the things which can be "played" correctly.

To play...
a record
Correct 1
a part
Correct 2
a trick
Correct 3
an action
Incorrect 4
a tune
Correct 5
1 Correct: This is correct. "To play a record" is "to operate a record player with a vinyl record", "to put a needle on a vinyl record", or simply "to listen to a vinyl record". Example: We played our old Rob Vylan records last night at full volume.
1 Incorrect: This is not an incorrect choice.
2 Correct: This is correct. "To play a part" is "to perform a role" or "to be involved". Note the term is used for actors in film or theatre performances. Example: She won an Oscar for the role she played.
2 Incorrect: This is not an incorrect choice.
3 Correct: This is correct. "To play a trick" is "to trick someone for fun" or "to play a joke (on someone)". Example: Horatio played a trick on Polly, he told her that San Francisco was going to be hit by a meteorite. A "trick" is a "deception" or a "joke".
3 Incorrect: This is not an incorrect choice.
4 Incorrect: "To play an action" is an incorrect use of English. We don't usually use the verb "to play" with the noun "action". Note that we can use the adjective form. Example: I played an action game on my computer last night.
4 Correct: This is not a correct choice.
5 Correct: This is correct. "To play a tune" is "to play an instrument" or "to use an instrument to make music". Example: Edward used his guitar to play a tune to his colleagues. A "tune" is a "song", or "melody".
5 Incorrect: This is not an incorrect choice.

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