play back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Replay a recording
Why “back”? A person, thing, message, or idea returns to an earlier place, person, or time.
“Play back the message.”
“Play back the interview from the start.”
Don't confuse with
Play back means replay a recording. Play around means experiment in a casual way.
Test yourself
“Play back the message.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
play around
A contrast learners often mix up
Experiment in a casual way; Have casual romantic or sexual affairs
bring back
Same back pattern: return
Return with someone or something to the original place; Cause memories to return to the mind; Reintroduce a custom, law or product
call back
Same back pattern: return
Return a phone call; Try the phone call again; Recall a product because of a fault
come back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Become popular or fashionable again; Be remembered after being forgotten
fly back
Same back pattern: return
Return by air
get back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Reply to someone, often with information they asked for; Take revenge on someone; Receive something again that you had before
give back
Same back pattern: return
Return something to its owner; Make a contribution in return to a community or cause
go back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; (of a friendship or history) date from a particular time; Withdraw from a promise or agreement
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