ENGLISH
REFERENCE

role

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈɹoʊɫ// UK //ɹˈəʊl// role Academic Archaic General-service

n. the part someone plays in a specific situation or the job they have in a group. You use this to describe what a person is responsible for doing.

n. the function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation. Often used to describe professional responsibilities or a character in a dramatic production.


SIMPLE

She has a very important role in our team.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager explained that my role involves checking the budget and writing weekly reports for the board.

COMPLEX

While the primary role of the committee is advisory, its members often exert significant influence over the final legislative draft through informal consultations.

Synonyms
Origin

From French rôle, from Middle French rolle, from Old French role, from Medieval Latin rotulus. Doublet of roll and rotulus.

Usage

Commonly takes the prepositions 'in' or 'of' (e.g., 'a role in the project' or 'the role of the teacher').

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference