Meaning: play

Illustrative Context

They are playing a game outside.

Target Sense

• Most generic verb, typically transitive, for engaging in a specific game, for the purpose of amusement.
• Select the transitive verb form, i.e. where followed by the word ‘game’ or the name of a game.
• Avoid intransitive/middle/reflexive forms just for amusing oneself without a specific structured game, such as have fun, French s’amuser, etc..
• Avoid terms that specifically imply competition, rather than non-serious amusement.
• Avoid the meaning of playing a musical instrument.