Pronunciation: /pleɪ ɒn/

Definitions of play on

noun a dramatic work for the stage or to be broadcast

Example Sentences

A1 I enjoy watching children at the playground and seeing them have a play on the swings.

A2 The play on words in the joke made everyone in the room laugh.

B1 The advertisement used a clever play on emotions to convince people to buy the product.

B2 The artist's painting was a beautiful play on colors and shapes.

C1 The play on historical events in the novel added depth to the storyline.

C2 The film director's use of symbolism was a subtle play on the audience's expectations.

preposition used to indicate that something is the subject of a joke or pun

Example Sentences

A1 Children love to play on the playground.

A2 The cat likes to play on the rug.

B1 We had a fun play on words during the game night.

B2 The comedian's routine had a clever play on stereotypes.

C1 The artist's work was a sophisticated play on light and shadow.

C2 The novel's plot had a complex play on multiple timelines.

Examples of play on in a Sentence

formal The director's use of lighting and shadows created a captivating play on visual effects.

informal I love how the artist used different colors to play on the canvas.

slang That comedian always knows how to play on the audience's emotions.

figurative The politician's speech seemed to be a clever play on words to deceive the public.

Grammatical Forms of play on

past tense

played

plural

plays

comparative

more playful

superlative

most playful

present tense

plays

future tense

will play

perfect tense

has played

continuous tense

is playing

singular

play

positive degree

playful

infinitive

to play

gerund

playing

participle

played

Origin and Evolution of play on

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'play on' originated in Middle English from the word 'pleien' meaning to engage in an activity for enjoyment or recreation.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'play on' evolved to encompass various meanings such as teasing or making a joke, as well as manipulating or taking advantage of a situation.