Reading Theme:
Role Meaning, Examples, and Common Collocations (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：position in society (role)
role
/rəʊl/
n.
The position or purpose that someone has in a particular situation, group, or job.
position in society
➕
/pəˈzɪʃən ɪn səˈsaɪəti/
n.
Refers to the expected behavior and responsibilities associated with a particular status in a group or organization.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From French 'rôle' (a roll of paper), referring to an actor's script.
💡 Mnemonic
Remember: Your 'role' is your 'roll' in life—like an actor's part on stage.
📖 Example
As a manager, her role involves mentoring new employees and setting team goals.
As a manager, her role involves mentoring new employees and setting team goals.
🔗 Collocations
play a role – to perform a function or part in a situation
key role – an important or essential part in something
leadership role – a position that involves guiding or directing others
🔄 Synonyms
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from French 'rôle', meaning a rolled parchment containing an actor's lines. By the 17th century, it broadened to mean the part itself.
Meaning 2：acting character (role)
role
/rəʊl/
n.
The character played by an actor in a play, movie, or story.
acting character
➕
/ˈæktɪŋ ˈkærɪktə/
n.
The character portrayed by an actor in a performance, such as a play, film, or television show.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She got the lead role in the school play and has been practicing her lines every night.
She got the lead role in the school play and has been practicing her lines every night.
🔗 Collocations
lead role – the main character or starring part in a production
supporting role – a secondary character that assists the main character
role in a play – a specific character assigned to an actor in a theatrical performance
Wordbook
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