Play on

phrasal verb

To continue doing something.

Despite the heavy rain, the match played on.
Visual representation of "play on" - To continue doing something

Often appears as...

  • play on despite
  • play on regardless
phrasal verb

To exploit or take advantage of someone's feelings or weaknesses.

They played on her fears to get her to agree.
Visual representation of "play on" - To exploit or take advantage of someone's feelings or weaknesses

Often appears as...

  • play on fears
  • play on emotions

Usage tips

Disapproving

phrasal verb

To continue a piece of music.

She played on the piano all night long.
Visual representation of "play on" - To continue a piece of music

Often appears as...

  • play on piano
  • play on guitar
phrasal verb

In sports, it refers to referees allowing the game to continue when a foul might have occurred.

The referee allowed the game to play on even though it looked like a foul.
Visual representation of "play on" - In sports, it refers to referees allowing the game to continue when a foul might have occurred

Often appears as...

  • referee play on
  • play on rule

Usage tips

Technical

phrasal verb

To continue doing something.

Despite the heavy rain, the match played on.
Visual representation of "play on" - To continue doing something

Often appears as...

  • play on despite
  • play on regardless
phrasal verb

To exploit or take advantage of someone's feelings or weaknesses.

They played on her fears to get her to agree.
Visual representation of "play on" - To exploit or take advantage of someone's feelings or weaknesses

Often appears as...

  • play on fears
  • play on emotions

Usage tips

Disapproving

phrasal verb

To continue a piece of music.

She played on the piano all night long.
Visual representation of "play on" - To continue a piece of music

Often appears as...

  • play on piano
  • play on guitar
phrasal verb

In sports, it refers to referees allowing the game to continue when a foul might have occurred.

The referee allowed the game to play on even though it looked like a foul.
Visual representation of "play on" - In sports, it refers to referees allowing the game to continue when a foul might have occurred

Often appears as...

  • referee play on
  • play on rule

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "play on"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Persistence Implication

Indicates determination to continue despite difficulties or obstacles.

Illustration for Persistence Implication
The team played on, undeterred by the setback.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Emphasis on Effort

Emphasizes the effort or resilience shown when continuing.

Illustration for Emphasis on Effort
She played on with her project even after criticism.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Persistence Implication

Indicates determination to continue despite difficulties or obstacles.

Illustration for Persistence Implication
The team played on, undeterred by the setback.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Emphasis on Effort

Emphasizes the effort or resilience shown when continuing.

Illustration for Emphasis on Effort
She played on with her project even after criticism.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Persistence Implication

Indicates determination to continue despite difficulties or obstacles.

Illustration for Persistence Implication
The team played on, undeterred by the setback.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Emphasis on Effort

Emphasizes the effort or resilience shown when continuing.

Illustration for Emphasis on Effort
She played on with her project even after criticism.
Visual representation of the word "Play on"

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