playground - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
playground Word Meanings
- an outdoor area in a park or school where children can play on swings and slides
- a place or environment used for testing new ideas or experiments (a testing ground)
- a figurative setting where people can explore and try things freely
playground Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
playground Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpleɪɡraʊnd/
US
/ˈpleɪɡraʊnd/
playground Word Etymology
Root decomposition: play + ground, a compound where play acts as a modifier to ground. Historical origin: formed in English from two Old English/Germanic roots; not derived from Latin or Old French. Memory image: imagine a sunny park with a bright sign reading playground and kids on swings.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Playground is a noun with two common senses. The first is an outdoor area in a park or school where children can play on equipment like swings, slides, and climbing frames. The second sense is a more abstract concept: a testing ground or place to try new ideas and experiments. In this sense, a company might call a safe, experimental environment a playground for innovation. A playground can also be a figurative setting where people feel free to explore and practice new skills with others. Memory image: a sunny park, bright colors, and children on swings.
Usage Reminders
- - Use playground for outdoor play spaces for kids.
- - Remember its metaphorical sense as a testing ground.
- - Differentiate from ground as soil or surface.
- - Pair with 'equipment' for specific meaning.
- - Watch collocations like 'playground equipment' and 'playground of ideas'.
Common Misconceptions
- It only refers to places for children; adults cannot be in a playground.
- Ground means soil; playground does not relate to ground in any sense.
- Playground = a place to play video games or digital games.
- It always implies a physical park; in business contexts it cannot be used metaphorically.
- The phrase is always singular; 'playgrounds' is the only correct plural.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, playground is a wide term that shifts between a physical space for kids and a metaphorical space to try new ideas. Learners often focus on the childish space and overlook the metaphorical use as a 'testing ground' or 'lab' for innovation.
Learning Tips
- Create a mental image of a bright park when you hear playground.
- Link both senses: kids at play and ideas at testing ground.
- Practice sentences: describe a playground in your city and in your work.
- Learn common collocations: playground equipment, playground of ideas, while at the playground.
- Use the metaphor in context: 'the playground of innovation'.
- Watch confusion with ground; remember the compound structure.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'playground'?
A.A place for studying
B.A place for sleeping
C.A place for cooking
D.A place for playing
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'playground' used correctly?
A.I love going to the library to play on the swings.
B.Let's go to the playground to read some books.
C.The playground is where we go to take a nap.
D.The playground is a great place for playing with friends.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'playground'?
A.Office
B.Recreation area
C.Bedroom
D.Kitchen
Step 4: Opposite Words
What would be the opposite of a 'playground'?
A.Cemetery
B.Office
C.Workshop
D.Library
Step 5: Mastery
Why is it important for children to have access to a playground?
A.To study for exams
B.To practice cooking skills
C.To take a break from work
D.To socialize and play
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
🔥 Advanced
Parent Called to Collect Child After Playground Incident
Parenting & Education
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