role
9 synonyms for role, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A part played by an actor in a performance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
theatrical role
How to use role
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
play a role
leading role
take on a role
Etymology
From French rôle, ultimately from Medieval Latin rotulus, "a small roll" — since actors' scripted parts were originally written on a rolled sheet.
Full origin of role →Frequently asked questions
What does “role” mean?
The word “role” means a part played by an actor in a performance. In plain terms, the part someone plays, whether on stage or in real life — their job, function, or responsibility.
How do you pronounce “role”?
“Role” is pronounced rohl (/ɹoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “role” in a sentence?
Here is “role” used in a sentence: “She won an award for her role in the film.”
What part of speech is “role”?
“Role” is a noun.
Where does the word “role” come from?
The word “role” comes from Medieval Latin. From French rôle, ultimately from Medieval Latin rotulus, "a small roll" — since actors' scripted parts were originally written on a rolled sheet.
Is “role” a common word?
“Role” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “role” have?
“Role” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part played by an actor in a performance.
What is the difference between 'role' and 'roll'?
They sound alike but mean different things. A 'role' is a part played by an actor, or more broadly a function someone has — the lead role in a film. A 'roll' is a turning movement, a small round loaf of bread, or an official list. If it's a part you play, it's 'role'.
What are the types of acting roles?
Actors take on roles of varying size and importance. The lead or starring role is the main character; supporting roles are significant but secondary; and minor or bit parts are small appearances. A cameo is a brief role, often by a well-known person. Each role is the character an actor portrays.
What is an example of a role?
In a play, one actor might have the role of Hamlet while another plays Ophelia — each portrays a specific character. Beyond acting, 'role' also describes a person's function, such as a parent's role in a family or a manager's role at work. The core idea is a part one plays.
