play

• Pièce dramatique destinée à la scène ou à l'écran, ou activité entreprise pour se divertir et s'amuser.

A noun referring to a dramatic work for the stage or screen, or an activity engaged in for enjoyment.

1. Activity for enjoymentA1formal

   Fun or recreational activity, especially done by children.

   jeu (activité récréative)

   • The children went outside to play.
   • Play is important for child development.
   • During recess, it's time for play.

   Synonymesamusemententertainmentfrolicfungamepastimerecreationrevelryrompsport

   Antonymesdrudgerylabortoilwork

2. Theater performanceB1formal

   A dramatic work written for performance on stage.

   Pièce de théâtre

   • Shakespeare wrote many famous plays.
   • We watched a play at the theater last night.
   • The play received excellent reviews.

   Synonymesdramapieceproductionshow

3. Sports competitionA2informal

   The act of participating in a sport or game.

   compétition sportive

   • The game was a fair play.
   • There was good play in the second half.
   • The referee stopped play due to rain.

   Synonymescompetitioncontestgamematch

4. B2formal

   The space or freedom for movement or operation.

   Jeu (mouvement ou fonctionnement)

   • The door has plenty of play in its hinges.
   • There is too much play in the steering wheel.
   • The rope has some play, so it won't snap.

   Synonymesclearancefreedomgiveleewaymotionmovementslack

• Verbe désignant le fait de participer à un jeu ou à un sport pour se divertir, ou d'interpréter de la musique.

A verb used to indicate engaging in a game or sport for enjoyment, or performing music.

1. Engage in recreationA1formal

   To do an activity for enjoyment and fun, rather than for work or study.

   Jouer (pour se divertir)

   • Children love to play in the park.
   • She plays with her dog every evening.
   • They played games at the birthday party.

   Synonymescavortdisportfrolicrompsport

   Antonymeslaborstudytoilwork

2. A1formal

   To perform music on an instrument or with a device.

   jouer (de la musique)

   • He plays the guitar very well.
   • Can you play this song on the piano?
   • She plays classical music on the violin.

   Synonymesblowexecuteinterpretperformpluckrenderstrum

3. Participate in sportsA1formal

   To take part in a sport or game.

   jouer (à un sport)

   • They play soccer every weekend.
   • He plays basketball for the school team.
   • The teams will play against each other tomorrow.

   Synonymescompetecontendengageparticipatetake part

   Antonymestoilwork

4. Act a roleA2formal

   To perform a character in a play, film, or show.

   jouer un rôle

   • She plays the lead role in the school play.
   • He plays a detective in the movie.
   • The actor plays multiple characters in the series.

   Synonymesactcharacterizeenactimpersonateperformportrayrepresent

Variantes phrasalplay alongplay aroundplay downplay offplay outplay up