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play back

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play something back (to someone)

to play a recording to someone. Can you play the speech back to me? Please play back the speech to me, so I can hear how I sound.

See also: back, play

play back something

also play something back

to show a film or listen to a something recorded earlier I'm filming the race, so if we don't see it, we can always play back the videotape. Then you can edit the song on your computer and play it back.

See also: back, play

play back

Replay, especially a recorded performance; also, repeat. For example, When we played back the tape of the concert we noticed a lot of missed notes, or He uses the same material again and again, playing back his old speech. [Early 1900s]

See also: back, play

play back

v.

1. To replay something that has been recorded: After recording the interview, the reporter played back the tape to find a quotation for the article. The instructors videotaped the performance and played it back for the class in slow motion.

2. To withdraw or lower the emphasis of something: You should play back the budget questions in your presentation and concentrate on hiring decisions. The coach played the defense back for a while and concentrated on scoring goals.

See also: back, play