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Glite Dictionary
playlet

playlet

1 8.0
A short acted scene often performed during a larger show
  • noun
  • /ˈpleɪlɪt/
translation icon : obrita
  • We watched a delightful playlet that showcased the talents of young actors.

Examples

  • He grabs the scythe from the playlet.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • The children performed a charming playlet during the school assembly.

  • Oh, yes, I have a little playlet.

    The Big Broadcast of 1938 (1938)

  • Far from a shortcoming, these fluctuations between soliloquy and monologue add to the suggestiveness and psychological depth of the playlet.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Perhaps the best case against supposing that the cantigas are playlets (let alone opera) is that the script (the lyrics of the songs) is not in dramatic dialogue but usually couched in a single voice and perpetually interrupted by a refrain.

    Academic text (1993)

  • During the festival, several groups presented short playlets to entertain the audience.

Synonyms

skit
vsplaylet
40 3.5

A short funny play by a small group of people

is usually more formal and used as a short act in programs
one-act play
vsplaylet
3 3.9

A short play with only one act

is shorter and often appears as part of a larger program
one-acter
vsplaylet
8.3

A short play that has only one act

is usually briefer and commonly performed within a larger show

How Long

one-act play
3 3.9
playlet
1 8.0

Surface Forms

playlet singular
playlets plural

Morphology

playlet = play (transparent) = play + let

The diminutive suffix '-let' regularly signals a small or short version, so 'playlet' is directly interpretable as a short play.

Etymology

Playlet comes from play plus the little ending -let, and -let means 'small' or 'little', as in booklet or leaflet. So a playlet is a 'small play', which is why it means a short play often shown as part of a larger program.