ENGLISH
REFERENCE

role model

compound.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

compound. a person you look up to and try to copy because they have good qualities or success.

compound. a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.


SIMPLE

My older brother is a great role model for me.

CONTEXTUAL

Many young athletes view professional players as role models and try to mimic their dedication to the sport.

COMPLEX

The CEO aimed to serve as a role model for ethical leadership, hoping to foster a culture of integrity throughout the entire corporation.

Origin

Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton. First use appears c. 1944 in the American Sociological Review.

Usage

usually used with the verbs 'be', 'act as', or 'serve as'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'idol' or 'hero'; a role model is specifically someone whose actions or lifestyle you want to replicate, rather than just someone you admire from afar.

Pitfall

He is my roll model.He is my role model.the word 'role' refers to a part played in a play or society, not the verb 'roll' meaning to turn over.

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