role

American  

[rohl] / roʊl /

Rarely rôle

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.

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role British  

/ 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?

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Other Word Forms

• multirole adjective

Etymology

Origin of role

First recorded in 1600–10; from French rôle “roll (of paper containing the actor's part)”; roll

Example Sentences

Comfortable in either the wing-back or winger role, the teenager stands out for his pace and dribbling ability.

From BBC

Scientists believe this light plays a key role in generating the even more energetic X-rays emitted by quasars.

From Science Daily

Patrick Dorgu started in an unfamiliar role on the right side of attack and the Dane scored his first United goal to secure a first home win in two months for Amorim's men.

From Barron's

He returned off the bench while playing on a minutes restriction against Phoenix on Dec. 23 and reprised his starting role on Christmas Day in a loss to the Rockets.

From Los Angeles Times

Ballistics evidence played a key role in the case, investigators said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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