At play Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈæt/ /ˈpɫeɪ

AT-PLAY

UK

ˈæt/ /plˈeɪ

AT-PLAY

Definition

'At play' means something is happening, active, or having an effect, especially as a factor influencing a situation. It can also literally mean 'playing.'

Usage & Nuances

Common in formal or analytic contexts to describe unseen forces or influences ("several factors at play"). Literal sense ('children at play') is less common in adult conversation. Avoid confusing it with 'playing' as an activity.

• Spanish: en juego - en acción
• Portuguese (BR): em jogo - em ação
• Portuguese (PT): em jogo - em ação
• Chinese (Simplified): 起作用 - 在起作用
• Chinese (Traditional): 起作用 - 在起作用
• Hindi: कारण बनना - काम में होना
• Arabic: قَيْد اللَّعِب - فِي الوَاقِعِ
• Bengali: কার্যকর - প্রভাবশালী - খেলায় ব্যস্ত
• Russian: в действии - действующие силы - играют роль
• Japanese: 作用している - 関与している - 遊んでいる
• Vietnamese: đang tác động - đang diễn ra - đang chơi
• Korean: 작용하는 - 영향을 미치는 - 노는 중
• Turkish: etkili - devrede - oyunda
• Urdu: مؤثر - سرگرم عمل - کھیل میں مصروف
• Indonesian: berperan - sedang berlangsung - sedang bermain

Example Sentences

There are many factors at play in this decision.

basic

The children are at play in the park.

basic

We must consider all the emotions at play here.

basic

There's more at play than meets the eye.

natural

I think stress is at play in her behavior lately.

natural

With all those interests at play, it’s no wonder negotiations are so complicated.

natural