ply

see definition of ply

verbuse, work at

Synonyms for ply

verb use, work at

Antonyms for ply

exercise

verb. do repeatedly, especially to improve

exercised

verb. do repeatedly, especially to improve

exercises

verb. do repeatedly, especially to improve

exercising

verb. do repeatedly, especially to improve

Word Origin & History

"work with, use," late 14c., shortened form of applien "join to, apply" (see apply). The core of this is Latin plicare "to lay, fold, twist," from PIE root *plek- "to plait, twist" (cf. Greek plekein "to plait, twine," plektos "twisted;" Latin plectere (past participle plexus) "to plait, braid, intertwine;" Old Church Slavonic plesti "to braid, plait, twist;" Gothic flahta "braid;" Old English fleax "cloth made with flax, linen").

Sense of "travel regularly" is first 1803, perhaps from earlier sense "steer a course" (1550s). Related: Plied; plies; plying.

Example Sentences for ply

Cunningly did he ply his sword before them, but ineffectually.

Now is the moment to urge on the hounds and ply the javelins.

Use only the cutlass when you gain the parapet and ply like men.

I would that I could sit and rest, and not have to ply this heavy mallet.

The first thing to do would be to ply the scissors to the red curls.

Lots of whalers has been chased for darin' to ply their trade in these same waters.

She turned from the baby to ply Lavis with rapid questions in Polish.

"I should like one o' them to ply with," said the elder covetously.

Then he picked up a rawhide, and began to ply it freely over my shoulders.

It was necessary for each one to ply the paddle with the utmost energy.

ply

Synonyms for ply

Antonyms for ply

More words related to ply

cross

crossed

exercise

exercised

exercises

exercising