What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interact
Example
The teacher encouraged the students to interact with each other during group activities. [interact: verb]
Example
The different colors of the painting interact with each other to create a unique effect. [interact: verb]
interplay
Example
The interplay between the characters in the play created a complex and engaging story. [interplay: noun]
Example
The interplay of light and shadow in the photograph added depth and dimension. [interplay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interact is more common than interplay in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Interplay is more often used in academic or technical contexts to describe complex relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interact and interplay?
Interplay is generally more formal than interact, as it is often used in academic or technical writing. Interact is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.