To happen or develop over time, or to act out a scenario, or to reach the end of play in a game.
To happen slowly and reach an end, or to act something out like a story or scene.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
For events or a situation to develop and come to a conclusion over time.
"Nobody could have predicted how the crisis would play out."
"We'll just have to see how this plays out."
— Barack Obama, press conference, 2011
To act out or perform a scenario, fantasy, or role.
"The children played out a pirate adventure in the backyard."
(British informal) To be exhausted or finished; to have no more energy or usefulness.
"By the end of the tour, the band was completely played out."
(Sport) To use up the remaining time in a match, especially by keeping possession of the ball.
"The goalkeeper played the ball out to his defenders to run down the clock."
To play until the time or game is finished.
To happen slowly and reach an end, or to act something out like a story or scene.
Very common in journalism: 'events played out over several weeks.' Also used in psychology/therapy for 'acting out' fantasies or scenarios. In sports, 'play it out' means to keep the ball until time is up.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "play out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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