n.
1 rôle, part, character, impersonation; lines:
She had the role of Maria in a recent production of Twelfth Night .
2 function, position, situation, place, post, capacity, job, duty, task, responsibility:
Hermione's role in the company is that of managing director.
noun
1 in a play, film, etc.
ADJ.
lead, leading, starring, title | supporting | comic, tragic | cameo | film, television | TV
VERB + ROLE
perform, play, take
John's playing the leading role in this year's play.
| cast sb in | interpret
She interprets the role as more tragic than I expected.
PREP.
in the ~ (of)
He was very good in the role.
2 position and importance
ADJ.
central, crucial, decisive, dominant, essential, fundamental, important, key, leading, major, pivotal, primary, prominent, significant, vital | minor, secondary, subordinate | constructive, full, positive, useful, valuable | active | passive | direct | clear
Every member of staff must have a clear role.
| traditional | changing | dual, twin
She has a dual role as principal and French teacher.
| conflicting
her conflicting roles as mother and manager of a large company
| advisory, consultative, managerial, supervisory | maternal, parental | economic, educational, military, political, social, strategic
the economic role of small towns A cup of tea often serves an important social role.
| symbolic
VERB + ROLE
have, occupy, perform, play, serve
Regional managers occupy a crucial role in developing a strategic framework.
| provide (sb/sth with) | adopt, assume, take (on)
I've had to take on the role of mother in her absence.
| fulfil
He really wants to fulfil his role as godfather properly.
| cast sb in
He has been cast in the role of chief apologist for the government.
| find
We need to find a useful role for the volunteers in the campaign.
| define, redefine
a clearly defined role within the group
| swap
ROLE + NOUN
model | reversal
PREP.
in a/the ~
She has joined the team in a consultative role.
| ~ as
the teacher's role as instructor
| ~ for
The new prime minister promised a greater role for women in government.
| ~ in
Pressure groups played a major role in bringing about the reforms.
Random quote: Our ability to achieve happiness and success depends on the strength of our wings.: Catherine Pulsifer
Latest queries: lecture, conducting, low, philippines, intrastate, illustrator, sum, motor, worshiping, practical, drapes, interrelationship, dotty, southernmost, doorkeeper, italy, derangement, hilarity, rubbish, role,