toying

/'tɔiiɳ/

Friendly

The word "toying" is the present participle of the verb "toy." It can have a few meanings, but in the context you provided, it refers to playful behavior that is often meant to attract or show interest in someone romantically or sexually.

Basic Explanation:

• To "toy" with someone means to playfully tease or flirt with them, often in a light or playful way. This can sometimes lead to romantic interest.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "toying" when talking about someone who is playfully engaging with another person in a way that suggests flirtation.

Example:

• "She was toying with him by giving him compliments and playful smiles, making him feel special."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more advanced context, "toying" can imply a level of manipulation or insincerity, where one person might be leading another on without genuine interest.

Word Variants:

• Toy (verb): To play with or to handle something casually.
• Toy (noun): A plaything or something meant for amusement.
• Toyed (past tense): The act of having engaged in this playful behavior in the past.

Different Meanings:

• To toy around with an idea: This means to think about or consider something casually or without serious intent.
• Toying with something: This could also refer to manipulating or handling something lightly, such as toying with a pencil or a piece of paper.

Synonyms:

• Flirting
• Teasing
• Playing
• Joking

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Toy with someone's feelings": This idiom means to play around with someone's emotions, often leading them to have hope or expectations that may not be fulfilled.
• "Toy with the idea": This phrasal verb means to consider an idea lightly or without serious intent.

Summary:

"Toying" is mainly used in contexts of flirtation or playful interaction, but it can also refer to casually considering ideas or manipulating objects.

Academic

Noun

1. playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest

Synonyms

• flirt
• flirting
• flirtation
• coquetry
• dalliance