* Verb: This is the most common usage, meaning to engage in an activity for enjoyment or recreation.
* Example: The children play in the park.
* Noun: This refers to the activity itself.
* Example: Let's go to the play tonight.
* Adjective: This describes something as lighthearted or casual.
* Example: We had a play day at the beach.
To determine the part of speech, you need to look at the context of the sentence.