Played Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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played

[pleษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The term 'played' is the simple past tense of the verb 'play'. It refers to the action of engaging in a game, sport, or any activity for enjoyment or recreation. This can involve musical instruments, sports, or drama, among other activities. In many contexts, 'played' also suggests a performance aspect, where someone participated or acted out a role.

Synonyms

acted, engaged, participated, performed.

Examples of usage

  • She played the piano beautifully.
  • They played soccer on the weekend.
  • He played the role of Hamlet in the school production.
  • The children played outside until dark.

Translations

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Origin of 'played'

The word 'play' comes from the Old English 'plega', which means a game, sport, or exercise. The addition of the '-ed' suffix to form 'played' is a typical way to denote the past tense of regular verbs in English. Over time, the use of 'play' has broadened to include not just physical games but activities involving imagination, creative performance, and social interaction. It has also led to idiomatic expressions like 'played out' or 'played for time'. The evolution of 'played' reflects sociocultural changes in leisure and play, illustrating the importance of these activities in human life.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,722, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.