playing

[pleɪɪŋ]

playing Definition

  • 1engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation
  • 2manipulate (a situation), typically in a way that is unfair or unscrupulous

Using playing: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "playing" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The children are playing in the park.

  • Example

    I enjoy playing tennis on weekends.

  • Example

    He was caught playing with his phone during class.

  • Example

    She accused him of playing games with her emotions.

  • Example

    The company was accused of playing dirty to gain an advantage over its competitors.

playing Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for playing

Antonyms for playing

Phrases with playing

  • play around

    behave in a lighthearted or frivolous way, especially when this is inappropriate

    Example

    This is a serious meeting, so please don't play around.

  • play by ear

    improvise as one goes along rather than following a predetermined plan

    Example

    We don't have a set schedule, so we'll just have to play it by ear.

  • play hard to get

    pretend to be uninterested in someone romantically to make them more interested in pursuing a relationship

    Example

    She's not really uninterested, she's just playing hard to get.

📌

Summary: playing in Brief

The verb 'playing' [pleɪɪŋ] refers to engaging in activities for enjoyment and recreation, such as playing in the park or playing tennis. It can also mean manipulating a situation unfairly, as in 'The company was accused of playing dirty.' Phrases like 'play around' and 'play by ear' denote lighthearted behavior and improvisation, while 'play hard to get' describes pretending to be uninterested in someone romantically.