plays; played; playing
plays; played; playing
Learner's definition of PLAY
1
: to do activities for fun or enjoyment玩耍 [no object]
-
The children were playing in the yard.孩子们在院子里玩耍。
-
Can Sara come out and play?萨拉可以出来玩吗?
-
He played by himself in his room.他独自在自己的房间里玩。
—
often + with -
She's outside playing with her friends.她正在外面和朋友们一起玩耍。
-
You already have lots of toys to play with.你已经有很多玩具可以玩了。
-
a baby playing with his toes玩弄自己脚趾头的婴儿
[+ object]
◊ If children play teacher/school (etc.), they play by pretending to be adults.假扮成人玩耍
— see also play house at 1house 2
a : to participate in (a game or sport)参加(比赛或运动) [+ object]
-
Did you play any sports in high school?你在高中参加过什么体育活动吗?
-
She plays soccer.她踢足球。
-
Do you want to play (a game of) cards/poker?你想玩扑克牌吗?
-
No one dares to play chess with/against him.没有人敢和他下国际象棋。
-
It's not whether you win or lose (that's important), it's how you play the game.比赛输赢并不重要,重要的是你如何比赛。
-
The children were playing hide-and-seek.孩子们在玩捉迷藏。
[no object]
-
I have a chess set. Do you want to play?我有一副国际象棋。你想玩吗?
-
It's your turn to play.轮到你上场比赛了。
-
She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing.她伤了手腕,但决定继续比赛。
-
He played in every major tournament this year.他参加了今年每一场重要比赛。
-
He's always dreamed of playing on a professional hockey team.他一直梦想着在职业冰球队打球。
—
often + for -
We never play for money.我们从不为金钱而赛。
-
I'm on a basketball team at school, but I also play for fun with my friends.我在校篮球队打球,但我也和朋友们玩玩篮球。
◊ If you play for a particular team, you are a member of that team.为某队效力
b : to compete against (someone) in a game和…竞赛 [+ object]
-
The Yankees are playing the Red Sox tonight at Yankee Stadium.扬基队今晚将在扬基体育场迎战红袜队。
-
No one dares to play him at chess.没人敢和他在国际象棋上一争高下。
-
When Tom and I are finished with this game, you can play the winner.汤姆和我比赛结束后,你可以和我们之中的胜者较量。
[no object]
◊ If you play (someone) for (something), you play a game in which the winner will be able to take or keep something.为得到某物与某人较量
c [+ object] : to have (a particular position on a sports team)(在球队中)打(某位置) -
He dreamed about playing quarterback in the National Football League.他梦想着在全国橄榄球联盟中打四分卫。
-
She played center field in their last game.她在她们最后一场比赛中打中外野位置。
-
He plays third base.他打三垒。
-
What position does he play?他打哪个位置?
d [+ object] : to allow (someone) to play during a game especially in a particular position派(某人)上场 e [+ object] : to place (a playing card) on the table during your turn in a card game出(牌) —
often used figuratively常用作比喻 — see also play your cards close to the chest/vest at 1card, play your cards right at 1card f [+ object] : to move (a piece) during your turn in a chess game(国际象棋中的)走(子) g [+ object] : to hit, kick, throw, or catch (a ball, puck, etc.)击,踢,掷,接(球) -
You have to play the ball where it lies.你必须在停球处击球。
-
He played a wedge shot to the green.他用劈起杆将球击向球穴区。
-
He played a great shot to his opponent's forehand.他朝对手的正手位击出一计好球。
-
The shortstop played the ball perfectly.游击手漂亮地接住了球。
3 [+ object]
a : to bet money on (something)下赌注 -
I used to gamble a lot. Mostly, I played the races/horses/slots.我过去常赌博。多数时候,我是赌赛马/玩老虎机。
-
She only plays the lottery when there's a large jackpot.她只在有大笔累积奖金的时候才玩乐透奖。
b : to invest money in (the stock market) in order to try to earn money炒股 4
a : to perform music on (an instrument)演奏(乐器) [+ object]
-
She's been playing the violin since she was 10 years old.她从10岁就开始拉小提琴了。
-
Where did you learn to play the piano?你在哪儿学的钢琴?
-
He can play guitar and drums.他会弹吉他,也会打鼓。
[no object]
-
He played while she sang.她唱歌,他伴奏。
-
Would you play for us?你能否为我们演奏一曲?
-
He plays in a band.他在一个乐队里演奏。
b [no object] of an instrument : to produce music(乐器)演奏 c [+ object] : to perform (a song, a piece of music, etc.) on an instrument演奏;弹奏 -
Would you play something for us?你能否为我们演奏一曲?
-
The band played their new hit song.乐队演奏了他们的新金曲。
-
The conductor had us play the piece again from the beginning.乐队指挥让我们把曲子从头又演奏了一遍。
-
The band played a waltz.乐队演奏了一曲华尔兹舞曲。
-
She started her career playing country music.她的职业生涯是从演奏乡村音乐开始的。
d [+ object] : to perform music written by (a particular composer)演奏(某作曲家的作品) e : to perform music in (a particular place)(在某个地方)演奏 [+ object]
-
It was her dream to play Carnegie Hall.在卡内基音乐厅演奏是她的梦想。
-
She prefers playing small concert halls rather than big stadiums.相比大型体育场,她更喜欢在小型音乐厅演奏。
-
The band has been playing bars and nightclubs.这支乐队一直在酒吧和夜总会演奏。
[no object]
5
: to cause (a song, a piece of music, a movie, etc.) to be heard or seen播放 [+ object]
-
You kids are playing your music too loud.你们这些孩子把音乐声开得太大了。
-
The radio station plays mostly hip-hop and R&B.广播电台播放的大部分是说唱乐和节奏布鲁斯。
-
Who decides which songs get played on the radio?谁来决定广播电台播放哪些歌曲?
-
We're waiting for you to play the movie.我们在等着你放电影。
-
I asked him to play the album/CD/DVD for me.我请他为我播放专辑/CD/DVD。
[no object]
-
Our favorite song was playing on the radio.电台正在播放我们最喜欢的歌曲。
-
Classical music played softly in the background.背景音乐播放的是柔和的古典音乐。
-
The movie/DVD is already playing.电影/DVD已经在播放。
6
[no object] : to be shown or performed usually more than one time上演,上映(通常不止一次) -
The film is now playing [=is now being shown] in theaters across the country.这部影片正在全国各影院上映。
-
What's playing at the theater/movies?剧院/影院正在演出/上映什么?
-
The show has been playing to full/packed houses.这个演出一直场场爆满。
7
a [+ object] : to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.扮演(某角色) -
He played the lead role in Hamlet.他在《哈姆雷特》一剧中扮演主角。
-
Her character is being played by a relatively unknown actress.她的角色由一个不太知名的女演员扮演。
-
She's not a doctor, but she plays one on TV.她不是医生,但她在电视上扮演医生。
—
often used figuratively常用作比喻 -
My wife never disciplines the children. She gets to play the good guy while I have to play the bad guy. [=I have to discipline the children]我的妻子从来不管教孩子。当我不得不管教孩子时,她就当好人。
-
I survived a terrible tragedy, but I don't want to play the victim. [=I don't want to act like a victim]我从一个可怕的灾难中死里逃生,但我不想让人看着像个受害者。
—
often used with part or role常与part或role连用 -
Luck played an important part in their success. [=a lot of their success was because of luck]他们的成功大部分是由于运气。
-
The essay discusses the role that television plays in modern society. [=the effect that television has on modern society]这篇论文探讨了电视在现代社会中的作用。
-
He's been playing the part/role of the jealous husband. [=he has been acting like a jealous husband]他一直是个爱吃醋的丈夫。
-
We all have a part/role to play in the future of this company. [=we all will be involved in an important way in the future of this company]我们大家对公司的未来都将起到重要的作用。
— see also role-play b [no object] : to pretend that you have a particular quality or are in a particular condition假装;装作…的模样 -
Don't play [=act] all innocent with me!别跟我装天真!
-
She tried to teach her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead]她努力教她的狗装死。
-
If anyone asks you about it, play dumb. [=act like you do not know anything about it]如果有人问起你那件事,你就装作什么也不知道。
8
: to act or behave in a particular way(以某方式)行事,做事 [no object]
-
It's a very competitive business, and not everyone plays fair. = Not everyone plays by the rules.这是个竞争十分激烈的行业,而且并不是每个人都遵守游戏规则。
-
If you play smart [=if you make good decisions], you should be able to graduate in four years.如果你选课有方,四年后你就应该能毕业。
[+ object]
-
She didn't want to seem too eager, so she decided to play it cool. [=to act calm]她不想显得太迫不及待,所以决定表现出冷静的样子。
-
If you play it smart, you should be able to graduate in four years.如果你选课有方,四年后你就应该能毕业。
-
I decided to play it safe [=to be careful and avoid risk or danger] and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time.我决定稳妥起见,早点儿出发,这样就能确保准时到达。
— see also play by ear at 1ear 9
[no object] : to do or say things in a joking way开玩笑 —
often + around 10
[+ object] : to do (something) to someone in order to amuse yourself or others捉弄 —
usually + on -
Let's play a joke on her.咱们捉弄她一下吧。
-
The students got in trouble for playing a trick on their teacher.学生们因为捉弄老师而惹上了麻烦。
-
I can't believe what I'm seeing. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.我不敢相信我所看到的,我的眼睛一定是在和我开玩笑。
11
[+ object] informal : to use or control (someone or something) in a clever and unfair way耍弄;愚弄 —
often + for 12
[+ object] : to base a decision or action on (something)寄于 -
Sometimes you just have to play your luck [=to take a chance] and hope that everything turns out okay.有时你只能靠碰运气,希望一切都顺利。
-
The coach was playing the odds that his pitcher would get through the inning without giving up a run.教练希望他的投手能走运,不失一分地顺利完成这一局。
-
Criminal investigators need to play [=to act on] their hunches.刑事侦查员需要运用直觉。
13
[no object] US : to be accepted or received in a particular way被接受;被认可 —
often + with 14
[no object] : to move in a lively and irregular way轻快地活动
play along
[phrasal verb]
: to agree to do or accept what other people want顺从;合作 -
They wanted me to cooperate with them, but I refused to play along. [=go along]他们要我与他们合作,但我拒绝接受。
-
If I pretend to be sick, will you play along and tell everyone that I had to go to the doctor?如果我装病,你能否帮忙告诉大家我不得不去看医生?
—
often + with
play around
[phrasal verb] also British play about 1
: to have sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or regular partner(与某人)乱搞男女关系,有婚外情 —
often + on —
often + with 2
: to deal with or treat something in a careless way糊弄;轻视 —
often + with 3
: to use or do something in a way that is not very serious玩弄;玩乐 —
often + on —
often + with 4
play around with (something) : to move or change (something) or to think about (something) in different ways often in order to find out what would work best摆弄;琢磨 -
I see you've been playing around with the living room furniture again.我看见你又一直在摆弄客厅家具。
-
The supervisor played around with our work schedules this week.主管琢磨了一下,修改了我们这周的工作安排。
-
We played around with the idea for a while but eventually realized that it just wouldn't work.我们揣摩了这个想法好一会儿,但最终意识到它就是行不通。
— see also 1play 9 (above)
play at
[phrasal verb] 1 play at (something)
: to do (something) in a way that is not serious敷衍了事 2
chiefly British : to play by pretending to be (someone or something)假扮…玩 —
often used in the phrase play at being (something)常用于短语play at being (something) 3
British —
used to say in an annoyed way that you do not know the reason for someone's behavior以生气口吻表达对某人某种行为的困惑
play back
[phrasal verb] play back (something) or play (something) back
: to cause (recorded sounds or pictures) to be heard or seen播放,回放(录音或录像) -
The machine allows you to record and play back sounds.这台机器可以录音和回放。
-
We finished recording our first take and played it back to hear how it sounded.我们完成了第一遍录音,并回放听听效果如何。
-
He played the tape back to/for us.他回放录音磁带给我们听。
— see also playback
play down
[phrasal verb] play down (something) or play (something) down
: to make (something) seem smaller or less important贬低;降低…的重要性;淡化
play fast and loose
: to behave in a clever and dishonest way欺骗;玩弄 —
usually + with
play for laughs
or play (something) for laughs
: to act in a funny way that makes people laugh逗乐 -
She's fantastic in serious roles, but she also knows how to play for laughs.她扮演严肃角色棒极了,但她也知道如何搞笑。
-
Most performers would have taken a serious tone during the scene, but he decided to play it for laughs.大多数表演者在这个场景中都会用严肃的口吻,但他决定搞笑一回。
play for time
: to try to make something happen later instead of sooner : to try to delay something故意拖延
play God
usually disapproving
: to make decisions that have a very powerful and important effect on other people's lives充当上帝(指利用权力做出事关他人生死的决定)
play hard to get
: to pretend that you are not interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone in order to make that person more attracted to you对(自己感兴趣的异性)欲擒故纵
play into
[phrasal verb] play into (something)
: to help support (something, such as an idea)辅以支持
play into someone's hands
or play into the hands of someone
: to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else给人以可乘之机;做对对手有利的事
play off
[phrasal verb] 1
chiefly British : to participate in a game that decides a winner from people or teams that had the same results in an earlier game : to play in a play-off加赛以决胜负 — see also play-off 2
play off (someone or something) US : to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way : to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better很好地配合 -
In this scene, the two actors play off each other extremely well.这场戏中,两位演员的对手戏配合得非常好。
-
The sweetness of the wine plays off the sharp flavor of the cheese.葡萄酒的甘甜和奶酪浓郁的芳香简直是天作之合。
3
play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) : to cause two people or groups to fight or compete with each other in a way that helps you挑拨离间(以坐收渔利)
play on
[phrasal verb] also play upon play on/upon (something)
: to make people do what you want by using (their emotions, fears, concerns, etc.) in an unfair way利用(他人的感情、恐惧、担忧等) -
The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products.公司利用父母们的担忧来销售产品。
-
Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.政治家们常常利用人们的感情来赢得选票。
play out
[phrasal verb] 1
a : to happen or occur in usually a gradual way(通常逐渐地)发生,出现 -
Let's wait and see how things play out. [=take place, develop]事情如何进展,让我们拭目以待。
-
The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come.错误导致的后果将在未来几年慢慢呈现出来。
-
Their personal tragedy was being played out in public.他们的个人悲剧正逐渐显现在公众眼前。
b play out (something) or play (something) out : to make (something) happen使发生 -
She got to play out [=realize] her fantasy of being on TV.她终于实现了上电视的愿望。
-
We watch professional athletes play out [=act out, live out] our dreams on the field.我们观看职业运动员在赛场上实现我们的梦想。
-
This scene plays itself out [=happens] daily in every large city in this country.这种场景每天都在这个国家的每个大城市上演。
2
play out (something) or play (something) out : to finish (something)完成 -
Her coach let her play out the rest of the season but said she wouldn't be allowed on the team next year.她的教练让她赛完这个赛季,但表示她明年不能留在这支队了。
-
We'll stop the game after we play out this hand.我们打完这一手牌就不玩了。
-
playing out dangerous experiments完成危险的试验
-
That style of music had played itself out [=stopped being current or popular] and the record companies wanted something new.那种曲风已经不再流行了,唱片公司想要新潮的。
— see also played-out
play the field
: to have romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person at a time : to date more than one person乱搞男女关系;滥交
play the fool
— see 1fool
play to
[phrasal verb] 1
play to (someone or something) : to behave or perform in a particular way for (someone or something) in order to get approval or attention取悦;迎合 2
play to (something) : to make use of (something)利用 -
a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives以家庭主妇为原型的电影
-
In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.在他最新的唱片中,他再次发挥了自己作为古典音乐家的优势。
play up
[phrasal verb] 1 play up (something) or play (something) up
a : to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance : to emphasize or stress (something)强调重要性;强化 b : to make (something) seem bigger or more important彰显;夸大 2
play up or play (someone) up British : to cause problems or pain制造麻烦;制造痛苦 -
The children have been playing up [=misbehaving, acting up] again.孩子们又在捣蛋了。
-
The camera started playing up [=acting up] after I dropped it.我把相机弄掉在地上后,它就开始出毛病了。
-
Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts playing up. [=acting up]只要一下雨,我的关节炎就开始发作。
-
My back has been playing me up again.我的背痛又不断折磨我了。
play with
[phrasal verb] 1 play with (something)
: to move or handle (something) with your hands or fingers often without thinking抚弄;拨弄 2
: to handle, change, or deal with (something) in a careless way随意地处理;摆弄;玩弄 -
I played [=fiddled, messed] with the radio for a while but couldn't get it to work.我摆弄了一会儿收音机,可还是没法让它播放。
-
It's important to teach your children not to play with guns/fire/matches.要教育你的孩子不要玩枪/玩火/玩火柴,这很重要。
-
Don't play with [=play around with] my heart/emotions.不要玩弄我的真心/感情。
-
You have to take this seriously. You're playing with people's lives!你必须认真对待这件事。你正在拿人们的性命当儿戏!
-
They're playing with other people's money.他们拿别人的钱当儿戏。
3
: to think about (something) briefly and not very seriously漫不经心地考虑 -
Management has been playing with [=toying with] the idea of moving to a different building.管理层对考虑迁往另一栋楼这事一直不太上心。
-
I played with the idea of moving to Chicago but ended up staying in New York.我曾有过移居芝加哥的一丝念头,但最终还是留在了纽约。
play with fire
: to do something that is risky or dangerous玩火;做危险的事
play with words/language
: to use words that sound similar or that have several different meanings especially in a clever or funny way玩文字游戏
play with yourself
: to touch your own sex organs for sexual pleasure : masturbate手淫 2 play /ˈpleɪ/ noun
plural plays
plural plays
Learner's definition of PLAY
1
[count] : a piece of writing that tells a story through the actions and words of characters and that is performed on a stage剧本;戏剧 -
The play is based on a real-life event.这个剧本是以真实的事件为基础的。
-
He wrote, directed, and starred in the play.他自编、自导、自演这部戏剧。
-
plays by Shakespeare莎士比亚的戏剧
-
His fifth grade class is putting on a play about the first Thanksgiving.他五年级的那个班正准备演关于第一个感恩节的戏剧。
-
I've gone to all of my daughter's school plays.我女儿所有的校园戏剧演出我都看过。
-
She's currently adapting a stage play [=a play that is written to be performed on a stage] for the big screen.她目前正把一个舞台剧本改编成电影。
— see also mystery play, passion play, screenplay 2
[noncount] : activities that are done especially by children for fun or enjoyment游戏;玩乐 -
The book discusses the role of play in a child's development.这本书探讨了游戏在儿童成长中的作用。
-
imaginative play富有想象力的游戏
-
As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”俗话说:“只工作不玩耍,聪明孩子也变傻。”
-
a safe play area安全游戏区
-
the sounds of children at play [=the sounds of children playing]孩子们嬉戏的声音
— see also child's play 3
a [noncount] : the action that happens during a game比赛 -
Please, no talking during play.请不要在比赛期间讲话。
-
Rain held up play for an hour.因为下雨,比赛暂停了一个小时。
-
The chess match finally ended after three hours of play.经过三个小时的较量,这场国际象棋比赛终于结束了。
-
The two golfers were tied at the start of play yesterday.昨天比赛一开始两位高尔夫球选手打成平手。
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We were surprised with/by the other team's level/quality of play.对方团队的竞技水平令我们倍感惊讶。
b : the time when a person playing a game is supposed to do something(比赛中进行某个动作的)时刻 [count]
[noncount]
4
[count] US : a particular action or set of actions that happens during a game(比赛中的)动作,战术: such as
a American football : a planned attempt to move the ball forward or to stop an opponent from moving the ball forward进攻战术;防守战术 -
The quarterback called out the play to his teammates.四分卫向队友下达战术。
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He ran 50 yards on that last play.在最后的进攻中他跑了50码。
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running/passing plays跑阵/传球进攻
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a defensive/offensive play防守/进攻动作
b baseball : an action that is done to try to get a player out(将对于杀出局的)动作 —
often used with make常与make连用 -
The shortstop made a great play to end the inning.游击手以一记漂亮的触杀结束了这局比赛。
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She had a chance to catch the ball, but she failed to make the play.她本有机会接住球使对方出局,但未能接住。
— see also double play, triple play c : the act of moving a piece in a game like chess or checkers(国际象棋或跳棋等棋类项目中的)走子 5
[noncount] : the state of being active or having an effect作用;影响 -
the play of market forces市场调节作用
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She promotes the free play of ideas in her classroom.她在课堂上倡导思想的自由发挥。
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Several issues are at play [=are involved] in determining the price of gasoline.好几个因素影响着汽油价格。
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The students' creativity was brought/called/put into play on this last assignment. [=the students had to use their creativity]在最后这次作业中,学生们的创造力得到了发挥。
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Two important factors come into play. [=are involved]两个重要的因素起了作用。
6 [noncount]
a : time when a musical recording is played by a radio station : airplay(某一首歌曲在电台的)播放次数,播放时长 b US : attention in newspapers, on television, etc.(报纸或电视的)关注 7
[count] : a humorous or clever way of using a word or phrase so that more than one meaning is suggested(对文字的)巧用,妙用 —
+ on -
The title of the article makes a play on the prime minister's last name.这篇文章的题目巧妙地使用了首相的姓。
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a play on the word's original meaning对词的本义的巧妙利用
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a clever play on words [=pun]巧用双关语
— see also wordplay 8 [noncount]
a : a function of a machine that causes recorded sounds or pictures to be heard or seen播放(功能) b : time when a machine is being used to hear or see recorded sounds or pictures(音频或图像的)播放次数,播放时长 9
[singular] : the irregular or lively movement of something闪动;跳动;波动 10
[noncount] : loose and free movement of something (such as part of a machine)松动
in/into play
of a ball
: in or into the area where players must stay in sports(球)在界内,非死球 -
She tried to keep the ball in play, but it bounced out of bounds.她努力控球,可是球还是弹出界了。
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He put the ball back into play.他把球放回了界内。
make a play for
: to try to get (someone or something)想尽办法获得(某人或某事物) -
He made a play for her. [=he tried to start a romantic or sexual relationship with her]他挖空心思想要得到她。
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She made a play for the job, but she didn't get it.她为得到那份工作挖空了心思,可是失败了。
out of play
of a ball
: outside the area where players must stay in sports(球)出界,成死球