Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words (original) (raw)

View synonyms for role

role

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.

/ 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?

Discover More

Other Words From

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of role1

First recorded in

1600–10;

from French rôle “roll (of paper containing the actor's part)”; roll

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of role1

C17: from French rôle roll

, an actor's script

Discover More

Example Sentences

She will require Senate confirmation to take up the role.

Gray was given VIP tickets to Aberdeen matches at Hampden three times, once in his current role and twice when he was wellbeing economy, fair work and energy secretary.

The team has just two seniors in addition to three players who plan to redshirt in hopes of a larger role next season.

He predicted that Musk and Ramaswamy will become bored and quit their advisory roles because of the massive red tape involved in changing the government.

It is not clear what foreign policy experience Witkoff brings to the role, but he has previously praised Trump’s dealings with Israel.