Play at Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
To pretend to be doing something, often without taking it seriously, or to act as if you are something without actually being it. It can also mean to participate in a game or activity for fun, not seriously.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
'Play at' is often mildly negative, implying someone is not serious or is only pretending. Common in phrases like 'play at being a doctor' (imagine you are a doctor), or 'just playing at it' (not committed). Not used for actual playing games (use 'play') or playing an instrument.
جمل نموذجية
The children play at being pirates in the backyard.
basic
Don't play at working—do it properly.
basic
She likes to play at being a teacher with her friends.
basic
Stop playing at being the boss and make a real decision.
natural
Are you serious about this project, or just playing at it?
natural
They only played at fixing the problem and nothing changed.
natural