role
English meaning: Role
Definition
A character or part played by a performer or actor.
Example
“Her dream was to get a role in a Hollywood movie, no matter how small.”
Another example: “Education plays a crucial role in reducing poverty.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A neutral noun for a part played by an actor, or a function or position someone fills ('a key role', 'gender roles'). Common in theatre, business, and social sciences. Note US/UK spelling is identical.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From French 'role' ('the roll of paper on which an actor's part was written'), from Latin 'rotula' ('little wheel'), in English from the 17th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- play a role
- key role
- leading role
- role model
- role in
Word Forms
role (n); roles (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B