Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

play a part

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.38 in modern English

Syllables: play a -part
IPA

16

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

Example Sentences

"I'd like to play a part in the initial design."
"The roads were foggy during the accident but alcohol may have also played a part."
"Exercise played a major part in his weight loss."
"My decision to leave home at the age of sixteen played a big part in my personal development."
"Pack ice, at times mounting to a height of 35 ft., snow, fog, and floating mines all played their part in the disorganisation of railway services, and most of the train ferry services were completely suspended for a month or more; [...]."

Inflected Forms

plays a part (present, singular) playing a part (participle, present) played a part (participle, past) played a part (past)

Synonyms

play a role have an effect

Questions

What does play a part mean?: To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

How to pronounce play a part

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “play a part”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “play a part” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.