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

As the biggest international donor to the Palestinians, the EU is also expected to play a role in helping cover the cost of reconstruction.

Read more on Barron's

“The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Journalism’s role is to ask questions, even on delicate topics, with respect and responsibility.”

Read more on Salon

Steve Reed, who took over the housing role following Rayner's resignation last month, then requested a further delay to 10 December.

Read more on BBC

“I believe people believe they’re seeing John,” says Catherine O’Hara, “when they see him in any role.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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