Play – The Main Form Of Activity In Kindergarten

According to the Romanian encyclopedic dictionary, the notions of “play”and “to play” have multiple meanings. Hence, the word “play” may refer to amusement, but it can also be a figure of speech, i.e. “play with fire”, “play with nature” or “play with destiny”. The verb “to play” is used to describe amusement, relaxation or even the act of performing a part in a play, as a figure of speech it can be used with the meaning of deceit (play-acting) or stirring action (play with one’s nerves), it can refer to occupying a certain hierarchical position (play a leading role) or to imply a risk (play with one’s life), a shallow, reckless attitude towards something (play with fire) and last but not least it can express vivid and shiny pictures (the playful sun mirroring the water). Although, explanatory dictionaries sort out the distinctions between the primary (main) meaning and figurative meanings of these words, the difference in meaning is not clear enough. Why, for instance, do we use a figurative meaning in the expression “play a role” and a basic one in the expression “play cards”?! It is not hard to establish what types of activities and their particularities have merged into the essential meaning of those respective words and how that meaning has enriched itself with new and new significances.