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
- gaming
- sporting
- recreating
- amusing oneself
- frolicking
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.
Example
We don't have a set schedule, so we'll just have to play it by ear.
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.