role

Rarely rôle

[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 Word Forms

• multirole 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

In Hamas's response, it indicated that it expects to have some future role in Gaza as part of "a unified Palestinian movement".

From BBC

The club investigated a bullying claim made against the former striker and he subsequently stepped down from his role as their under-18s coach.

From BBC

For up to one in 10 people with MND, specific genes play a much larger role.

From BBC

Takaichi, who has held senior government roles including minister for economic security and internal affairs, is known for her support of higher government spending and lower borrowing costs.

From BBC

It is not as if Salah has changed his role this season but, because he is not scoring at the other end, maybe the defensive side of his game is amplified.

From BBC

Related Words

• act 
• appearance 
• aspect 
• character 
• part 
• performance 
• portrayal