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Ply: meaning, definitions and examples

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ply

 

[plaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

manipulate materials

To ply means to work diligently or steadily at a task. It is often used in the context of crafting or trade, where a person applies persistent effort to create or produce something. Additionally, the term can refer to offering something repeatedly, such as a service or an item. It's a versatile verb that encompasses the acts of working, providing, or using something skillfully.

Synonyms

apply, exercise, labor, utilize, work.

Examples of usage

  • She plied the needle through the fabric.
  • The carpenter plied his trade with great skill.
  • He plied her with questions about her trip.
Context #2 | Noun

material layers

As a noun, ply refers to a layer or thickness of a material, often used in textiles or wood. In textiles, it describes the number of strands twisted together, while in carpentry, it often relates to layers of wood adhered together. Plywood, for example, is made up of multiple plies. The term emphasizes not just the physical layers but also the structural integrity provided by the combination of these layers.

Synonyms

layer, level, sheet, stratum.

Examples of usage

  • The table was constructed from three plies of laminated wood.
  • She chose a fabric with a high ply count for durability.
  • The plywood sheets each consist of several thin plies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'ply' comes from the Old English 'pliogan,' which means to fold or to layer.
  • Originally, it referred to layers of fabric or wood, showing how it developed to mean working with materials methodically.
  • The sense of 'plying a trade' comes from the idea of applying skills diligently, like layers in work.

Science

  • In materials science, 'ply' refers to layers in composite materials, important in fields like aerospace and construction.
  • Plywood consists of multiple layers glued together, which makes it strong and durable.
  • Understanding the ply direction in building materials is crucial for structural integrity and performance.

Literature

  • In literature, authors often ply their craft by revising and layering meaning in their writing over time.
  • The term has also been used in allegorical storytelling, where characters ‘ply’ their skills to overcome obstacles.
  • Classics like Shakespeare often explore themes of trade and dedication, where characters must ply to achieve greatness.

Pop Culture

  • In the film industry, craftsmen and actors alike must ply their talents to create compelling stories and performances.
  • The concept of plying has appeared in various DIY and craft shows, where participants showcase layered techniques.
  • Music production involves plying different tracks and instruments, layering sounds to create rich auditory experiences.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept of plying effort into skill development emphasizes the importance of practice for mastery.
  • Cognitive studies show that the more one plies focus to a task, the better the skill retention and performance tend to be.
  • In self-help literature, plying one's efforts towards personal goals is often highlighted as a key to success.

Translations

Translations of the word "ply" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jogar

🇮🇳 खेलना

🇩🇪 spielen

🇮🇩 bermain

🇺🇦 грати

🇵🇱 grać

🇯🇵 プレイする

🇫🇷 jouer

🇪🇸 jugar

🇹🇷 oynamak

🇰🇷 놀다

🇸🇦 يلعب

🇨🇿 hrát

🇸🇰 hrať

🇨🇳 玩

🇸🇮 igrati

🇮🇸 spila

🇰🇿 ойнау

🇬🇪 თამაშობი

🇦🇿 oynamaq

🇲🇽 jugar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,484, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.