C2 noun Neutral

role

/rəʊl/

A role denotes the specific function, position, or set of responsibilities assumed by a person or thing within a particular system or social context. In academic discourse, it frequently refers to the behavioral expectations associated with a specific status or the contribution an element makes to a larger outcome.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Parents play a vital role in the early development of a child's linguistic skills.

Parents have a very important part in how a child learns to speak early on.

2

The committee has clearly delineated the roles of each stakeholder to prevent overlapping duties.

The group defined exactly what each person is responsible for so they don't do the same work.

3

I'm not sure what my role is in this project yet, as things are still quite messy.

I don't know what my specific job is here because the situation is disorganized.

Word Family

Noun
role
Related
roleplay, role model
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Memory Tip

Think of an actor's 'roll' of parchment. In the past, scripts were written on scrolls (rolls), and the part you had to play was your 'role'.

Quick Quiz

The mentor played a ________ role in the student's academic success.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pivotal

Examples

1

Parents play a vital role in the early development of a child's linguistic skills.

everyday

Parents have a very important part in how a child learns to speak early on.

2

The committee has clearly delineated the roles of each stakeholder to prevent overlapping duties.

formal

The group defined exactly what each person is responsible for so they don't do the same work.

3

I'm not sure what my role is in this project yet, as things are still quite messy.

informal

I don't know what my specific job is here because the situation is disorganized.

4

Sociological research often investigates how internalizing gender roles affects career aspirations.

academic

Studies often look at how accepting societal expectations based on gender influences what jobs people want.

5

The marketing director took on an expanded role during the international merger.

business

The person in charge of marketing was given more responsibilities when the companies joined together.

Word Family

Noun
role
Related
roleplay, role model

Common Collocations

play a pivotal role to be a crucial part of something
defined roles clearly explained responsibilities
dual role having two different functions at once
gender roles societal expectations based on gender
leadership role a position of authority or guidance

Common Phrases

role model

a person whose behavior is imitated by others

active role

direct and energetic involvement in something

supporting role

a secondary but helpful part in a production or project

Often Confused With

role vs roll

A 'roll' is a cylindrical object or a list of names, whereas 'role' is a function or part played.

role vs rule

A 'rule' is a regulation or law, while a 'role' is a position or responsibility.

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Usage Notes

The word 'role' is most commonly paired with the verb 'play' (e.g., 'to play a role'). It can refer to a literal part in a play or movie, or a figurative function in society or a process.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use the preposition 'for' when they should use 'in' (e.g., say 'role in the project' rather than 'role for the project'). Spelling 'role' as 'roll' is the most frequent orthographic error.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of an actor's 'roll' of parchment. In the past, scripts were written on scrolls (rolls), and the part you had to play was your 'role'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle French 'rôle', meaning a roll of paper on which an actor's part was written.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Commonly follows the pattern: play a/an [adjective] role in [noun/gerund] Plural form: roles
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Cultural Context

The concept of 'gender roles' is a significant topic in Western social sciences, discussing how society expects individuals to behave based on perceived gender.

Quick Quiz

The mentor played a ________ role in the student's academic success.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pivotal

Related Words

syngravent

C1

To formally reach a collective agreement or to consolidate disparate ideas into a singular, authoritative consensus through deliberation. It is typically used in academic or high-level professional contexts to describe the synthesis of various perspectives into a unified stance.

homoaltersion

C1

To systematically modify a component or individual within a group so that it aligns identically with the properties of its counterparts. It describes the act of enforcing homogeneity through specific, calculated adjustments to maintain structural consistency.

homogratacy

C1

To achieve a state of collective agreement or uniform satisfaction within a group by aligning interests or expressing mutual gratitude. It involves the process of harmonizing conflicting viewpoints into a single, mutually pleasing outcome.

multipatership

C1

Multipatership refers to the biological phenomenon where a single litter or brood of offspring is sired by more than one father. In sociology, it describes the state of a woman having children with multiple different partners, often referred to as multi-partnered fertility.

periluddom

C1

A noun referring to the state or environment of anticipation and ritualized preparation that occurs just before a competitive event, game, or performance. It encompasses the collective psychological atmosphere and physical activities shared by participants and spectators before the main action begins.

circummentcy

C1

The act or state of bypassing restrictions, rules, or obstacles through strategic maneuvering or the exploitation of loopholes. It refers specifically to the quality of being able to find indirect routes to achieve a goal while avoiding direct confrontation with a system.

adcedent

C1

Describing a person, entity, or state that is in the process of acceding to an existing agreement, treaty, or organization. It refers to the act of joining or consenting to be bound by terms previously established by others.

misvalness

C1

To incorrectly estimate or judge the intrinsic worth or significance of something, particularly by failing to recognize its true essence or state. It refers to the act of assigning a wrong value to an object or concept based on a misunderstanding of its fundamental nature.

homotactible

C1

Describing objects, surfaces, or body parts that are sensitive to touch in an identical way or occupy the same position in a tactile arrangement. It is a technical term used to compare sensory perception across different areas or specimens.

repatible

C1

To officially return a person, such as a refugee or prisoner of war, or an object like currency or cultural artifacts, to their country of origin. This verb is primarily used in legal, political, and financial contexts regarding international borders and national belonging.

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