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playful

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈpleɪfəl/

playful means: Enjoying games and often wanting to play, like a child or young animal.

adjective

LIKES PLAYINGB1

Enjoying games and often wanting to play, like a child or young animal.

  • Our puppy is very playful.
  • The playful children chased each other around the garden.
  • Is your cat always this playful in the morning?

Similar words: frisky, lively

Common phrases: playful puppy, playful kitten, playful child

FUNNY AND FRIENDLYB2

Showing a light, friendly sense of humour.

  • He gave her a playful smile.
  • Her playful remarks made everyone laugh.
  • Was that a serious warning or a playful joke?

Similar words: humorous, joking, lighthearted

Opposites: serious

Common phrases: playful smile, playful remark, playful tone

JUST FOR FUNB2

Done for fun, without a serious purpose or tone.

  • It was a playful competition.
  • The lesson includes several playful activities.
  • Her playful approach makes learning new words enjoyable.

Similar words: fun, lighthearted

Opposites: serious

Common phrases: playful activity, playful game, playful approach

TRYING NEW IDEASC1

Trying unusual ideas in a free, imaginative way.

  • She is a playful artist.
  • His playful use of colour surprised the critics.
  • The designer’s playful experiments led to an unusual chair.

Similar words: experimental, inventive

Common phrases: playful artist, playful experimentation, playful use

Questions about playful

What does playful mean?

Enjoying games and often wanting to play, like a child or young animal.

What is playful in other languages?

Türkçe: oyuncu · Español: juguetón · Français: joueur · Deutsch: verspielt · Italiano: giocherellone · 日本語: 遊び好きな

How do you pronounce playful?

It is pronounced /ˈpleɪfəl/.

How do you use playful in a sentence?

Our puppy is very playful. The playful children chased each other around the garden.

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