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

"At the conclusion of the season, Claudio will transition into a senior executive role, where he will be an adviser to the ownership on all sporting matters at the club," a Roma statement read.

From BBC

Speculation had grown that Trump planned to hand his former rival a key healthcare role.

From BBC

I’ve steeled myself against the bigotry and hatred for so long, and I’m so comfortable in my role as a cultural worker, that I feel emboldened by that sort of rhetoric.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, someone in Gaetz's situation would keep his current role in Congress until he was confirmed in the new job, but despite the GOP's razor-thin margins in the House, he resigned immediately.

From Salon

“Civil society groups that should be playing a crucial role in holding governments accountable have been sidelined or repressed,” he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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