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Toy Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：plaything (toy)
toy
/tɔɪ/
n.
An object for children to play with.
plaything
➕
/ˈpleɪθɪŋ/
n.
An object designed for children to play with, often providing entertainment or education.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Toy originates from Middle English 'toye', meaning a plaything or trifle.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'toy' as a 'joy' - both bring happiness and end with 'oy'.
📖 Example
The little boy’s favorite toy was a bright red fire truck.
The little boy's favorite toy was a bright red fire truck.
🔗 Collocations
toy car – a small model car for playing
toy store – a shop that sells toys
toy box – a container for storing toys
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
tool (n.) – a device used to carry out a particular function, opposite of a toy
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'toy' in English culture is deeply associated with childhood and leisure. It reflects the shift from handmade wooden toys to mass-produced plastic ones in the 20th century.
Meaning 2：play with an idea (toy)
toy
/tɔɪ/
n.
To think about or deal with something in a way that is not serious or final.
play with an idea
➕
/pleɪ wɪð ən aɪˈdɪə/
n.
To consider or handle something in a casual or unserious manner, often without commitment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He would often toy with the idea of starting his own business, but never made a real plan.
He would often toy with the idea of starting his own business, but never made a real plan.
🔗 Collocations
toy with the idea – consider an idea casually
toy with someone's feelings – treat someone's emotions lightly
toy with a proposal – consider a proposal without serious intent
🔄 Synonyms
consider lightly (v.) – to think about without deep commitment
dally with (v.) – to treat something in a playful or frivolous way
🚫 Antonyms
commit to (v.) – to dedicate oneself seriously to something
decide firmly (v.) – to make a definite decision
🌱 Derivatives
toying (adj.) – acting in a playful or unserious manner
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