Meaning & use
byplay
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Meaning
noununcountableliterarytechnical
Secondary action or dialogue that goes on while the main action is happening, especially in a play or film.
Grammar: Uncountable; used with 'the' or no article: 'The byplay between the servants was funny.'
Patterns
- byplay between people
- byplay of something
The director added clever byplay between the two background characters to keep the scene lively.
Critics praised the film for its subtle byplay, which revealed the characters' true feelings without words.
In Shakespeare's plays, the byplay of the minor characters often comments on the main plot.
Common combinations
- comic byplay
- The comic byplay between the guards made the audience laugh.
- subtle byplay
- The actors' subtle byplay added depth to the scene.
- byplay between
- There was constant byplay between the two leads.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: byplay or play-by-play?
byplay vs play-by-play
A play-by-play is a detailed commentary on a sports event; byplay is secondary dramatic action.
Practice
In a theater review, what does 'byplay' most likely refer to?
Choose one answer.
Byplay is secondary action or dialogue, often between minor characters. The main conflict is the main plot, not byplay.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “byplay”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.