byplay
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈbaɪˌpleɪ/
- Jargon
- The byplay among the performers made the performance more entertaining, as they exchanged looks and gestures behind the scenes.
- little byplay
Examples
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The comedic byplay between the two characters added a lighthearted tone to the serious scene.
-
Darius felt guilty, knowing how Colene would resent this particular byplay.
Fiction book (1992) -
Their byplay leaves little to the viewer's imagination.
Academic text (2001) -
This article pair got Slashdotted, and some interesting byplay ensued.
Blog text (21) -
"How funny!" The byplay between them had already assumed a pattern of intimacy that surprised me, if only because they had known each other for such a short time, and I found myself unable to believe in it.
Fiction book (1990) -
Mittler's cold gray eyes caught the byplay, and the ash-pale brows rose slightly.
Fiction book (2000) -
Kosic was taking in the usual byplay between Robbie and the bartender when he suddenly turned toward the room.
Fiction book (1999) -
"This leads to other byplays that broach more comprehensive issues of the child's continuity through time.
Academic text (1991) -
Now, Mr. Wyatt, you and I are gonna engage in witty byplay... but perhaps when you have a tad less energy... and not in front of the general population.
-
The camaraderie on the field, the good-natured byplay in the locker room, the jolly give-and-take in the shower.
Synonyms
1
8.1
A small action an actor does on stage to make a scene look real
1
7.9
Small actions an actor does on stage to make the scene feel real
How Noticeable
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word byplay comes from the little word by- meaning 'near' or 'side' and the common word play, so it literally means 'side play' — the small actions an actor does beside the main action. That's why byplay refers to those quiet, often comic or dramatic movements that add meaning without taking the scene's focus.