Interplay
/ˈɪntərˌpleɪ/
nounB2
Definition
Interplay is when two or more things act on each other and change or influence each other at the same time. It often describes how different parts or forces connect and work together, creating effects that depend on their relationship.
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See It in Action
Mutual influence or action between two or more things
- •The interplay between light and shadow creates beautiful pictures.
- •There is a strong interplay between diet and health.
- •The movie shows the interplay of different emotions in the characters.
The way parts work together in a system or situation
- •The interplay of different cultures makes the city interesting.
- •Scientists study the interplay of factors that affect climate change.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'interplay' like 'play' (A1 word), but between two or more players who affect each other, not just one person playing alone
- ✓Picture two dancers moving together, each responding to the other's steps to create a beautiful dance
- ✓It's the feeling of teamwork when people or ideas mix and change each other in a group project
- ✓Sounds like 'INTER-play' → imagine two friends playing a game together, each move changing what the other does next
- ✓Think of a conversation where ideas bounce back and forth, changing the meaning as they connect
- ✓NOT like 'play' alone (single action), interplay is about interaction between parts
- ✓NOT like 'interaction' (general contact), interplay often means a deeper, ongoing effect between parts
- ✓NOT like 'conflict' (opposite forces fighting), interplay can be positive or neutral cooperation or influence
Try Other Words
- •Interaction: general contact or communication between things (Use when focusing on simple or direct contact)
- •Relationship: the way two things are connected (Use when emphasizing connection rather than action)
- •Connection: a link or bond between things (Use when focusing on the link but not the effect)
- •Exchange: giving and receiving between people or things (Use when emphasizing back-and-forth action)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'inter-' (between, among) + 'play' (to act, move, or perform)
- •Etymology: From Latin prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' and English word 'play'
- •Historical development: First used in English in the early 20th century to describe mutual action or influence
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in science, art, and social studies to describe how parts affect each other in a system or situation
Reflect & Connect
•How does understanding interplay help you see connections in your daily life or work?
•Can you think of examples where interplay between people or ideas led to new or surprising results?
Fill in the blanks
1.The ___ between light and water creates beautiful reflections on the surface.
2.Good teamwork depends on the ___ of different skills and ideas.
3.Unlike simple contact, interplay means the parts ___ and change each other.
4.The play on stage showed the ___ of emotions between the two main actors.
5.Scientists study the ___ of many factors when they try to understand climate change.
6.The ___ of music and dance in the performance made it very exciting to watch.
7.When two friends talk and share ideas, their thoughts ___ in an interplay that can lead to new plans.