the function or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation, an actor's part in a play, movie, etc.

cast in a role, fill a role, know one's role

lead role, supporting role, play a role

Formal and Informal Expressions of role

In different contexts, you can replace 'role' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'function, capacity, position' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'part, job' is a commonplace synonym.

role: Explore its Definition & Usage

role Definition

1the function or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation
2an actor's part in a play, movie, etc.

Using role: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "role" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The role of the teacher is to educate students.
Example
She played the role of the villain in the movie.
Example
The company is looking for someone to fill the role of CEO.
Example
He has an important role in the project.

role Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for role

Antonyms for role

Idioms Using role

cast in a role
to be chosen to play a particular character in a play, movie, or other performance
Example
She was cast in the role of the princess.
fill a role
to take on a particular position or job
Example
He was hired to fill the role of manager.
know one's role
to understand and accept one's place or position in a particular situation
Example
She knows her role in the company and works hard to fulfill it.

Phrases with role

lead role
the main character in a play, movie, or other performance
Example
She was offered the lead role in the new movie.
supporting role
a smaller part in a play, movie, or other performance that is not the main character
Example
He played a supporting role in the play.
play a role
to have an effect or influence on something
Example
The weather played a role in the cancellation of the event.

Origins of role

from Old French 'rôle', meaning 'roll, scroll'

📌

Summary: role in Brief

The term 'role' [rohl] refers to the function or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation. It can also refer to an actor's part in a play or movie. Examples include 'The role of the teacher is to educate students.' and 'She played the role of the villain in the movie.' Phrases like 'lead role' and idioms like 'know one's role' are also common. 'Role' is often used in formal contexts, such as 'He has an important role in the project.'