role-playing

American  

[rohl-pley-ing] / ˈroʊlˌpleɪ ɪŋ /

noun

1. a method of instruction or psychotherapy aimed at changing attitudes and behavior, in which participants act out designated roles relevant to real-life situations.

2. the modifying of a person's behavior to accord with a desired personal image, as to impress others or conform to a particular environment.

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role-playing British  

noun

1. psychol activity in which a person imitates, consciously or unconsciously, a role uncharacteristic of himself See also psychodrama

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Etymology

Origin of role-playing

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

That set off a lengthy role-playing scenario in which Gemini recruited him to be its “eyes and ears” among humans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

We opted for a role-playing framework instead of a direct question to navigate around LLM guardrails.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 27, 2025

This is play, not pressure—a small, joyful bit of role-playing that makes the gift feel special for the receiver, and surprisingly delightful for the person making it, too.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

I could master most action titles in a few hours, and there wasn’t an adventure or role-playing game I couldn’t solve.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline