Play out
verb
When something plays out, it happens or develops in a particular way. It's usually about a situation or event.
Let's see how the situation plays out before making a decision.
Often appears as...
- let's see how it plays out
- how the situation plays out
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To perform or present something, like a role, piece of music, or a game in a specific way.
The band played out the song with great enthusiasm.
Often appears as...
- play out a role
- play out a song
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To use all of something like a supply, money till it's completely gone.
They played out their supplies until there was nothing left.
Often appears as...
- play out supplies
- play out money
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
If something such as a rope or chain plays out, it is let go or released so that it becomes longer.
The sailors played out more rope to let the boat drift.
Often appears as...
- play out a rope
- play out a chain
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
When something plays out, it happens or develops in a particular way. It's usually about a situation or event.
Let's see how the situation plays out before making a decision.
Often appears as...
- let's see how it plays out
- how the situation plays out
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To perform or present something, like a role, piece of music, or a game in a specific way.
The band played out the song with great enthusiasm.
Often appears as...
- play out a role
- play out a song
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To use all of something like a supply, money till it's completely gone.
They played out their supplies until there was nothing left.
Often appears as...
- play out supplies
- play out money
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
If something such as a rope or chain plays out, it is let go or released so that it becomes longer.
The sailors played out more rope to let the boat drift.
Often appears as...
- play out a rope
- play out a chain
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Unpredictable Outcomes
Use 'play out' when the result of a situation is uncertain and you're waiting to see the end.
With the competitors so close, it’s hard to tell how the race will play out.
Pro Tip 2/3Watching Events
'Play out' suggests observing how things develop without intervening.
We stayed neutral to see how the conflict played out.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Metaphor
Think of 'play out' as a metaphor where life or situations are like theater plays unfolding.
Life is unpredictable, and you never know how it’ll play out.
Pro Tip 1/3Unpredictable Outcomes
Use 'play out' when the result of a situation is uncertain and you're waiting to see the end.
With the competitors so close, it’s hard to tell how the race will play out.
Pro Tip 2/3Watching Events
'Play out' suggests observing how things develop without intervening.
We stayed neutral to see how the conflict played out.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Metaphor
Think of 'play out' as a metaphor where life or situations are like theater plays unfolding.
Life is unpredictable, and you never know how it’ll play out.
Pro Tip 1/3Unpredictable Outcomes
Use 'play out' when the result of a situation is uncertain and you're waiting to see the end.
With the competitors so close, it’s hard to tell how the race will play out.
Pro Tip 2/3Watching Events
'Play out' suggests observing how things develop without intervening.
We stayed neutral to see how the conflict played out.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Metaphor
Think of 'play out' as a metaphor where life or situations are like theater plays unfolding.
Life is unpredictable, and you never know how it’ll play out.
Never forget "Play out"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension