role
or rôle
[rohl]
- a part or character played by an actor or actress.
- proper or customary function: the teacher's role in society.
- Sociology. the rights, obligations, and expected behavior patterns associated with a particular social status.
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Origin of role
Synonyms
See more synonyms for role on Thesaurus.com2. capacity, position, responsibility, duty.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for role
Contemporary Examples
Genetics alone does not an eating disorder make, generally speaking, and Bulik points out that environment still plays a role.
“I have to think her body type played a role,” said Rachel Greenblatt, a Lecturer in Jewish Studies at Harvard University.
Acting legend talks about what role is closest to her heart.
David Prowse, the actor who portrayed Darth Vader, wished to come back but had to turn down the role because of ill health.
Juiciest ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones)Rich Goldstein
January 3, 2015
The role of private investigators has stirred controversy in the investigation.
Historical Examples
At forty if a man chooses to assume the role of Orlando he does it to perfection.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
Perhaps in desperation you may assume the role of cook yourself.
A Woman TenderfootGrace Gallatin Seton-Thompson
They have made the prelude, and the importance of their role has passed.
The Rock of ChickamaugaJoseph A. Altsheler
His role was that of the deeply respectful "brother artist."
The Incomplete AmoristE. Nesbit
If he had learned his role by heart, he could not have played it better.
The Middle Class GentlemanMoliere
role
rle
- a part or character in a play, film, etc, to be played by an actor or actress
- psychol the part played by a person in a particular social setting, influenced by his expectation of what is appropriate
- usual or customary functionwhat is his role in the organization?
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Word Origin
C17: from French rôle roll, an actor's script
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for role
n.
"part or character one takes," c.1600, from French rôle "part played by a person in life," literally "roll (of paper) on which an actor's part is written," from Old French rolle (see roll (n.)). Meaning "function performed characteristically by someone" is from 1875. In the social psychology sense from 1913. Role model first attested 1957.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
role
- The characteristic and expected social behavior of an individual.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.