minor role
دور صغير
Use it to describe your contribution when you weren't the main person in charge.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A supporting part in a project, movie, or event.
- Not the main focus or the leader of the situation.
- Used to show modesty or clarify your level of involvement.
معنی
It describes a part in a play, movie, or real-life situation that isn't the main focus. It's when someone helps out or participates but doesn't take center stage.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Talking about a work project
I played a minor role in the marketing campaign, mostly doing research.
I played a minor role in the marketing campaign, mostly doing research.
Discussing a movie you were in
I had a minor role as a background extra in that new Netflix show.
I had a minor role as a background extra in that new Netflix show.
Texting a friend about a surprise party
I only had a minor role in planning, Sarah did all the hard work!
I only had a minor role in planning, Sarah did all the hard work!
زمینه فرهنگی
The term originates from 19th-century theater hierarchies where actors were strictly categorized by the size of their parts. In modern Western corporate culture, admitting to a 'minor role' is often seen as a sign of honesty and high emotional intelligence.
The Modesty Trick
Use 'minor role' when someone praises you for a group effort. It makes you look like a team player.
Don't Undersell Yourself
In job interviews, don't say 'minor role' for things you actually led, or you might not get the job!
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A supporting part in a project, movie, or event.
- Not the main focus or the leader of the situation.
- Used to show modesty or clarify your level of involvement.
What It Means
Think of a movie. You have the hero and then you have the person who hands them a coffee. That person has a minor role. In real life, it is the same. It means you are involved, but you aren't the star. You are part of the team, not the leader. It is about being a supporting character in a specific event.
How To Use It
You can use minor role for jobs, projects, or even family drama. Use it when you want to be humble. Or use it to explain why you aren't responsible for a mistake. You usually 'play' or 'have' a minor role. It fits perfectly after verbs like played, took, or had.
When To Use It
Use it at work when describing a group project. It is great for networking events. Use it when talking about hobbies, like a local theater production. It is perfect for telling a friend about a wedding you helped organize. If you just brought the cake, you played a minor role. It keeps things clear and honest.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you were the boss. That sounds like 'humble bragging' and people might find it annoying. Avoid it if you did absolutely nothing. If you didn't help, you had 'no role' at all. Also, don't use it for your own life story. You should always be the lead in your own life!
Cultural Background
In Hollywood, a minor role can still win an Oscar. This phrase comes from the theater world. Western culture values the 'team player' just as much as the star. Using this phrase shows you are realistic. It shows you understand how systems work together. It is a very common way to show professional modesty.
Common Variations
You might hear people say small part or supporting role. In business, they might say bit part if they are being a little sarcastic. If someone says they had a cameo, they mean a very tiny but famous appearance. Stick to minor role for a safe, neutral choice.
نکات کاربردی
This phrase is safe for almost any context. It is neutral enough for a resume but natural enough for a chat with a neighbor. Just remember to pair it with the verbs 'play' or 'have'.
The Modesty Trick
Use 'minor role' when someone praises you for a group effort. It makes you look like a team player.
Don't Undersell Yourself
In job interviews, don't say 'minor role' for things you actually led, or you might not get the job!
The 'Bit Part' distinction
In the UK and US, a 'bit part' is even smaller than a 'minor role'—it usually means just one or two lines.
مثالها
6I played a minor role in the marketing campaign, mostly doing research.
I played a minor role in the marketing campaign, mostly doing research.
Shows you contributed without taking all the credit.
I had a minor role as a background extra in that new Netflix show.
I had a minor role as a background extra in that new Netflix show.
Literal use regarding acting.
I only had a minor role in planning, Sarah did all the hard work!
I only had a minor role in planning, Sarah did all the hard work!
Used to give credit to someone else.
I played a minor role in the kitchen tonight—I mostly just ate the cheese.
I played a minor role in the kitchen tonight—I mostly just ate the cheese.
Funny way to say you didn't help much with cooking.
While I had a minor role in the initial phase, I took the lead later on.
While I had a minor role in the initial phase, I took the lead later on.
Contrast your growth in a position.
I only played a minor role in their argument, but I still feel bad.
I only played a minor role in their argument, but I still feel bad.
Expressing regret for involvement.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the best verb to complete the professional sentence.
Although I ___ a minor role in the merger, I learned a lot about the process.
In English, we usually 'play a role' or 'have a role'.
Identify the correct adjective to describe a small contribution.
She didn't want the spotlight, so she requested a ___ role in the play.
'Minor role' is the standard collocation for this situation.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality of 'Minor Role'
Talking to friends about a small favor.
I had a minor role in cleaning up.
Describing your job or a hobby.
I played a minor role in the film.
Reporting on project contributions.
The department played a minor role in the development.
When to use 'Minor Role'
Acting/Theater
A few lines on stage.
Office Work
Helping with one slide of a deck.
Social Events
Helping a friend move house.
History/News
A person briefly mentioned in a story.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, small role is very common and means the same thing. However, minor role sounds slightly more professional.
Not at all! You can use it for anything from a business deal to a family dinner. For example, I had a minor role in cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
The opposite is a leading role or a major role. You would use these for the person in charge.
Yes, it is very polite. It shows you are not trying to take credit for things you didn't do.
Absolutely. In English, we often say There are no small roles, only small actors. Even a minor role can change an outcome.
You could say, I only played a minor role in that decision, to explain that the mistake wasn't entirely your fault.
No, it is not slang. It is a standard collocation used in schools, offices, and news reports.
It is better to say I had a minor role or I played a minor role. You are the person, the role is the part you played.
No, it just means 'secondary'. It doesn't mean the work was bad or unimportant.
A cameo is a very brief appearance by a famous person. A minor role is usually for a regular person or actor.
عبارات مرتبط
Supporting cast
The group of people who aren't the main stars but are essential.
Behind the scenes
Working out of public view to make something happen.
Bit part
A very small acting role with very few lines.
Second fiddle
Being in a subordinate position to someone else.
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