play with: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “play with” mean?
To engage with something for amusement or recreation, typically in a non-serious, experimental, or physical manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To engage with something for amusement or recreation, typically in a non-serious, experimental, or physical manner.
To consider or toy with an idea; to handle or interfere with something in a careless or manipulative way; to exploit or not be serious about someone's feelings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant structural differences. The idiom 'play with oneself' (masturbate) is considered more vulgar in AmE than in BrE, where it can be slightly more euphemistic in certain contexts.
Connotations
Equally common in both varieties. The connotation of frivolity or danger is consistent.
Frequency
Extremely frequent in both dialects with identical core usage patterns.
Grammar
How to Use “play with” in a Sentence
[Subject] + play with + [Object (noun/noun phrase)][Subject] + be playing with + [Object (dangerous abstract concept)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “play with” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The toddlers were playing with their building blocks.
- Don't play with her affections; it's not kind.
- He spent the afternoon playing with the model railway.
American English
- The kids are playing with their Legos in the den.
- You're playing with fire by ignoring those regulations.
- She played with the idea of moving to Chicago.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Can be used metaphorically: 'We're just playing with the numbers to see different scenarios.' Implies provisional, non-final analysis.
Academic
Used in scientific/mathematical contexts: 'playing with variables in the model.' Suggests experimental, heuristic investigation.
Everyday
Very common: playing with children, pets, or objects. Also used for not eating food properly.
Technical
In computing: 'playing with the code/settings.' Means experimenting, often in a sandbox or test environment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “play with”
- Using 'play' without 'with' for an object: ❌'The cat plays its tail.' ✅'The cat plays with its tail.'
- Overusing the literal meaning when a more precise verb is needed: ❌'He played with the software to fix it.' ✅'He reconfigured the software to fix it.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning involves amusement, its extended meanings can imply danger ('play with fire'), manipulation ('play with feelings'), or casual experimentation ('play with an idea').
'Play' is used for games (play football), music (play the piano), or performances (play a role). 'Play with' requires a physical or abstract object that is being manipulated or interacted with for amusement.
Its literal use is neutral, but its metaphorical uses (e.g., 'playing with data') are acceptable in semi-formal contexts like reports or academic papers to denote provisional exploration. More formal alternatives like 'manipulate', 'analyse', or 'consider' are often preferable.
Check the object. Objects like 'feelings', 'trust', 'fire', or 'someone's mind' create a negative connotation of manipulation or risk. Objects like 'children', 'toys', or 'ideas' are generally neutral.
To engage with something for amusement or recreation, typically in a non-serious, experimental, or physical manner.
Play with: in British English it is pronounced /pleɪ wɪð/, and in American English it is pronounced /pleɪ wɪθ/ or /pleɪ wɪð/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play with fire”
- “Play with a full deck”
- “Play with oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a child PLAYing WITH a toy. The words are physically connected in the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (to be manipulated for amusement); RELATIONSHIPS ARE GAMES (to be treated frivolously).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'play with' used metaphorically to imply danger?