noun
role
rohl
noun
1
A part played by an actor in a performance.
"She won an award for her role in the film."
"He auditioned for the lead role in the school play."
2
The function, position, or set of responsibilities someone or something has.
"As team leader, his role is to keep everyone on schedule."
"Exercise plays an important role in maintaining good health."
How to Use Role
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part someone plays, whether on stage or in real life — their job, function, or responsibility.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "roll" — they sound identical but "role" is always about a part or function, never about rolling or a bread roll.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
play a role
leading role
take on a role
Word Forms
roles plural, roles plural
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She won an award for her _____ in the film.
Etymology
From French rôle, ultimately from Medieval Latin rotulus, "a small roll" — since actors' scripted parts were originally written on a rolled sheet.