role

[ rohl ]

noun

1. a part or character played by an actor or actress.
2. proper or customary function:

   the role of religion in society.

   Synonyms: duty, responsibility, position, function, capacity, part, character

3. the function assumed by a person or thing in a given action or process:

   Schools offer few practical tools to help students explore their role in shaping the future.

4. Sociology. the rights, obligations, and expected behavior patterns associated with a particular social status:

   When studying child development, it was critical to study the father's role.

role

/ rəʊl /

noun

1. a part or character in a play, film, etc, to be played by an actor or actress
2. psychol the part played by a person in a particular social setting, influenced by his expectation of what is appropriate
3. usual or customary function

   what is his role in the organization?

Other Words From

• mul·ti·role adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of role¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from French rôle “roll (of paper containing the actor's part)”; roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of role¹

C17: from French rôle roll , an actor's script

Example Sentences

Members were told that Ms Robinson had left nursing in March 2022 and had since gone on to work at an organisation in West Yorkshire providing drug and alcohol recovery support, a role which "involves working with vulnerable members of society".

From BBC

She will require Senate confirmation to take up the role.

From BBC

The SNP MSP added: “I am a football fan. I follow Aberdeen. But I should not have allowed the impression to be given that this played any role in my engagements and I am sorry for my error.”

From BBC

Gray was given VIP tickets to Aberdeen matches at Hampden three times, once in his current role and twice when he was wellbeing economy, fair work and energy secretary.

From BBC

The team has just two seniors in addition to three players who plan to redshirt in hopes of a larger role next season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• act
• business
• job
• part
• position
• post
• task