play

play
{{11}}play (n.) O.E. plega (W.Saxon), plæga (Anglian) "recreation, exercise, any brisk activity" (the latter sense preserved in swordplay, etc.), from PLAY (Cf. play) (v.). Meaning "dramatic performance" is attested from early 14c. Meaning "free or unimpeded movement" is from 1650s. Sporting sense first attested 1868. Play-by-play is attested from 1927.
{{12}}play (v.) O.E. plegian "to exercise, frolic, perform music," from W.Gmc. *plegan (Cf. M.Du. pleyen "to rejoice, be glad"), of uncertain origin. Opposed to WORK (Cf. work) (v.) since late 14c. Related: Played; playing. To play up "emphasize" is from 1909; to play down "minimize" is from 1930. To play with oneself "masturbate" is from 1896; play for keeps is from 1861, originally of marbles or other children's games with tokens. To play the (something) card is attested from 1886; to play fair is from mid-15c. Play-dough is first recorded 1959. To play (something) safe is from 1911; to play favorites is attested from 1902. For play the field see FIELD (Cf. field).

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • play — [plā] vi. [ME plein < OE plegan, to play, be active] 1. to move lightly, rapidly, or erratically; flutter [sunlight playing on the waves] 2. to amuse oneself, as by taking part in a game or sport; engage in recreation 3. to take active part in …   English World dictionary

  • Play — may refer to: * Play (activity), enjoyment by humans * Play (animal behaviour)‎ * Play (theatre), structured literary form or theatreIn music* Play 99.6 (radio), Jordan s No.1 Hit Music Radio Station * Play (Mexican band) (or Grupo Play ),… …   Wikipedia

  • play — ► VERB 1) engage in games or other activities for enjoyment rather than for a serious or practical purpose. 2) take part in (a sport or contest). 3) compete against. 4) take a specified position in a sports team. 5) represent (a character) in a… …   English terms dictionary

  • Play — Play, n. 1. Amusement; sport; frolic; gambols. [1913 Webster] 2. Any exercise, or series of actions, intended for amusement or diversion; a game. [1913 Webster] John naturally loved rough play. Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster] 3. The act or practice of… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Play — Play, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Played}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Playing}.] [OE. pleien, AS. plegian, plegan, to play, akin to plega play, game, quick motion, and probably to OS. plegan to promise, pledge, D. plegen to care for, attend to, be wont, G.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Play — Play, v. t. 1. To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon upon a fortification; to play a trump. [1913 Webster] First Peace and Silence all disputes control, Then Order plays the soul. Herbert. [1913 Webster] 2. To perform music upon; as, to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • play³ — Beschreibung Multiplattform Spielemagazin Verlag …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • PLAY.FM — is an web radio and online audio database for DJ and club culture. DJ sets, radio shows and live recordings are collected and can be listend to on demand. The PLAY.FM studio and the office are located in the Museumsquartier in the 7th district of …   Wikipedia

  • Play 3 — Play³ Beschreibung Multiplattform Spielemagazin Verlag Computec Media AG …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Play³ — Beschreibung Multiplattform Spielemagazin Verlag Computec Media AG …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Play On — Студийный альбом Кэрри Андервуд Д …   Википедия

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”