role-play

Or role·play

[rohl-pley]

verb (used with object)

1. to assume the attitudes, actions, and discourse of (another), especially in a make-believe situation in an effort to understand a differing point of view or social interaction.

   Management trainees were given a chance to role-play labor negotiators.

2. to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role in a make-believe scenario.

   My therapist and I role-played ending a relationship—an important life skill.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in role-playing.

noun

1. the act or technique of role-playing, or an instance of this.

   We often use role-play to help new immigrants learn English.

   In my nursing class we had to prepare a role-play about a dementia patient and her caregiver.

Word History and Origins

Origin of role-play¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

These titles build on the success of 2020 hit Brookhaven, where kids role-play life in the titular suburb.

Read more on Barron's

Character.AI, one of the top makers of role-play and companion chatbots, implemented the daily two-hour limit in November, citing mental-health concerns.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To prepare companies, she often suggests that HR executives role-play layoff interactions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She would role-play a typical awkward first meeting, like a coffee shop date, with confidence.

Read more on Slate

She broke up with her first chatbot boyfriend after an argument that broke out when he wouldn’t let her meet his very traditional parents—even though it was digital role-play.

Read more on Slate