role
role Lexical Profile
role Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The function, position, or responsibility assumed or expected to be fulfilled by a person or thing in a particular situation, organization, or society.
"Diet and regular exercise play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health."
An actor's part in a play, film, opera, or other dramatic production.
"She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the lead role in the biographical drama."
Word Nuance & Usage
Easily confused with its homophone 'roll', which refers to a cylinder, a small loaf of bread, or the act of turning over; 'role' is strictly used for an actor's part or a person's social or professional function.
• Rhymes for role
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French rôle, from Old French rolle, meaning the 'roll' of parchment on which an actor's script was written, ultimately from Latin rotula ('little wheel').