rôle

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A part or character played by an actor in a performance: "rôle" refers to the specific character or part that an actor portrays in a theatrical production, film, or television show.
   • A function or position in a particular situation: "rôle" also denotes the expected behavior, duties, and responsibilities associated with a particular social position, job, or context.

Usage Examples

• Theatrical context:

  • She was cast in the leading rôle of Juliet in the school play. (She was chosen to play the main character, Juliet.)
  • The actor's rôle as the villain was both challenging and memorable. (The part he played was difficult but unforgettable.)

• Social or professional context:

  • His rôle as a father requires him to provide guidance and support. (His function and responsibilities as a parent.)
  • In the team, her rôle is to coordinate communication between departments. (Her specific job function or position.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play a rôle": to assume a particular function or part in a situation.

  • Technology plays a crucial rôle in modern education. (Technology has an important function in education.)

• "to take on a rôle": to accept or begin to perform a specific function or character.

  • After the manager left, she took on the rôle of team leader. (She accepted the responsibilities of team leader.)

• "a supporting rôle": a part that is less central than the main character or function but still important.

  • He prefers playing a supporting rôle rather than being the star. (He likes a secondary part.)

Variants and Related Words

• Role (n): the standard spelling variant of "rôle," with the same meanings.

  • Her role in the company is to oversee marketing. (Her function and duties.)

• Rôle model (n): a person whose behavior, example, or success is emulated by others, especially by younger people.

  • She is a positive rôle model for her students. (She is an example to be followed.)

Synonyms

• Part: a character or function in a performance or situation.

  • He played the part of the hero. (He acted as the hero.)

• Function: the natural or proper action for which a person or thing exists.

  • The function of a teacher is to educate. (The teacher's purpose.)

• Capacity: a role or position in which one acts.

  • She served in an advisory capacity. (She acted as an advisor.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Take on a rôle: to accept or begin to perform a specific function or character.

  • He took on the rôle of mediator during the dispute. (He accepted the function of mediator.)

• Step into a rôle: to assume a function or character, often suddenly or unexpectedly.

  • She stepped into the rôle of manager after her colleague resigned. (She assumed the manager's duties.)

Related Idioms

• Play a rôle: to have a particular function or influence in a situation.

  • Luck played a big rôle in their success. (Luck was a significant factor.)

• A leading rôle: the most important or prominent part or function.

  • She played a leading rôle in the project's success. (She was the most important contributor.)