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Where does the word "play" come from? It comes from Old English plegan, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
Read the full story
Where does the word "play" come from? It comes from Old English plegan, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
Play’s story begins in Old English: plegan meant “to frolic, perform.” To exercise, frolic or make music; a stage 'play' was already 'plega' in Old English. It reached English by 1500s as play. 'playwright' uses 'wright', a maker, as in 'wheelwright'. Today, play means to engage in activity for enjoyment.
- Stage 1 · Old English · 700s-1000s plegan "to frolic, perform", to exercise, frolic or make music; a stage 'play' was already 'plega' in Old English.
- Stage 2 · English · 1500s play "to amuse oneself", 'playwright' uses 'wright', a maker, as in 'wheelwright'.