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role
/roʊl/
function or position
Her role in the project was to manage the team.
She was responsible for leading the project team.
general
A function or part played by someone or something in a particular situation or activity.
The actor's role in the movie was challenging.
The character the actor played required significant skill.
She took on the role of team leader after the promotion.
She assumed the position of leading the team.
Often used in professional, social, or dramatic contexts.
sociology
A set of expectations about how a person should behave in a particular social position.
Gender roles have evolved significantly over the past century.
Society's expectations about how men and women should act have changed.
Used in discussions about social structures and behavior.
theater
A character or part played by an actor.
He auditioned for the role of Hamlet.
He tried out for the character of Hamlet in the play.
Common in acting and theater contexts.
Collocations
play a role into have an influence or effect on somethingtake on a roleto accept a position or responsibilitylead rolethe main character in a play or moviesupporting rolea secondary character that supports the main plot
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes with 'Role'
Avoid using 'role' as a verb. Instead of 'She role-plays as a manager,' say 'She acts in the role of a manager' or 'She role-plays the manager.'
Gold Rule
When to Use 'Role'
Use 'role' when referring to a function, position, or character in a specific context. It is not interchangeable with 'roll' (which refers to a list or bread) or 'rule' (which refers to a regulation).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'roole', from Old French 'rolle' meaning 'roll of paper' (as a list), from Latin 'rotulus' (small wheel, roll), diminutive of 'rota' (wheel). The sense of 'part played by an actor' emerged in the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
The word 'role' is often used interchangeably with 'position' or 'function' in professional contexts. In social contexts, it refers to expected behaviors tied to a status (e.g., 'parental role'). In theater, it specifically refers to a character.
Word Breakdown
role
function or position
rootEnglish Dictionary