Play about

verb

If you play about, you do something without serious intent, usually as a form of distraction or amusement.

Stop playing about and get to work on your assignment.
Visual representation of "play about" - If you play about, you do something without serious intent, usually as a form of distraction or amusement.

Often appears as...

  • play about with something
  • play about in the garden
verb

If you play about with something, you handle or experiment with it in a casual or aimless way.

He spends hours playing about with his new drone.
Visual representation of "play about" - If you play about with something, you handle or experiment with it in a casual or aimless way.

Often appears as...

  • play about with a gadget
  • play about with a new software
verb

If you play about, you do something without serious intent, usually as a form of distraction or amusement.

Stop playing about and get to work on your assignment.
Visual representation of "play about" - If you play about, you do something without serious intent, usually as a form of distraction or amusement.

Often appears as...

  • play about with something
  • play about in the garden
verb

If you play about with something, you handle or experiment with it in a casual or aimless way.

He spends hours playing about with his new drone.
Visual representation of "play about" - If you play about with something, you handle or experiment with it in a casual or aimless way.

Often appears as...

  • play about with a gadget
  • play about with a new software
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "play about"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Use

Typically used in casual settings among friends or in relaxed environments, not in formal situations.

Illustration for Informal Use
We were just playing about at the park during lunch.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Wasting Time

Implies a lack of productivity; often used to scold or remind someone to focus.

Illustration for Not Wasting Time
The boss noticed you playing about instead of finishing your report.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

Can imply irresponsibility or not taking things seriously when the context requires it.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
His partner didn't like it when he played about during the meeting.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Use

Typically used in casual settings among friends or in relaxed environments, not in formal situations.

Illustration for Informal Use
We were just playing about at the park during lunch.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Wasting Time

Implies a lack of productivity; often used to scold or remind someone to focus.

Illustration for Not Wasting Time
The boss noticed you playing about instead of finishing your report.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

Can imply irresponsibility or not taking things seriously when the context requires it.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
His partner didn't like it when he played about during the meeting.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Use

Typically used in casual settings among friends or in relaxed environments, not in formal situations.

Illustration for Informal Use
We were just playing about at the park during lunch.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Wasting Time

Implies a lack of productivity; often used to scold or remind someone to focus.

Illustration for Not Wasting Time
The boss noticed you playing about instead of finishing your report.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

Can imply irresponsibility or not taking things seriously when the context requires it.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
His partner didn't like it when he played about during the meeting.
Visual representation of the word "Play about"

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