role
word
/ˈɹoʊɫ/
rohl
/ɹˈəʊl/
rohl
Definition
A role is the function or position someone has in a situation, group, or job. It can also mean the character an actor plays in a film, play, or show.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in work, social, and academic contexts: 'my role on the team', 'the role of education'. For acting, use 'play a role' or 'have the role of'. Don't confuse it with 'paper'; although 'papel' in Spanish/Portuguese can mean both, English 'role' is only about function/character.
Spanish: papel - funciónPortuguese (BR): papel - funçãoPortuguese (PT): papel - funçãoChinese (Simplified): 角色 - 作用Chinese (Traditional): 角色 - 作用Hindi: भूमिका - किरदारArabic: دور - وظيفةBengali: ভূমিকা - দায়িত্ব (পদ)Russian: рольJapanese: 役割 - 役(演技)Vietnamese: vai tròKorean: 역할Turkish: rolUrdu: کردار - ذمہ داریIndonesian: peran
Example Sentences
My role at work is to help customers.
basic
She got the main role in the school play.
basic
Parents play an important role in a child's life.
basic
I know my role, so I try not to interfere too much.
natural
He was offered a small role in a TV series.
natural
Technology now has a bigger role in how we learn.
natural