Reading Theme:
Roll Meaning: How to Use This Versatile Verb (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：move by turning (roll)
roll
/roʊl/
v.
To move by turning over and over, like a ball or a wheel.
move by turning
➕
/muːv baɪ ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/
v.
To move forward by rotating around an axis, like a ball or wheel.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'rotula' (small wheel), via Old French 'roller'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a ball rolling down a hill: the continuous turning motion is 'roll'.
📖 Example
The child laughed as the bright red ball rolled down the small grassy hill.
The child laughed as the bright red ball rolled down the small grassy hill.
🔗 Collocations
roll down – to move downward by turning over
roll along – to continue moving by rolling
roll over – to turn once by rotating
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
stay still (v. phrase) – to remain motionless without rolling
📖 Cultural Story
Roll originates from Latin 'rotula' (small wheel), evolving through Old French 'roller'. In modern idioms like 'roll with the punches', it symbolizes adaptability.
Meaning 2：form into a cylinder (roll)
roll
/roʊl/
v.
To turn something flat over and over upon itself to make a tube shape.
form into a cylinder
➕
/fɔːrm ˈɪntuː ə ˈsɪlɪndər/
v.
To turn a flat sheet or fabric around itself to create a cylindrical shape.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before starting the painting work, he decided to roll up his sleeves to keep them clean.
Before starting the painting work, he decided to roll up his sleeves to keep them clean.
🔗 Collocations
roll up – to make something into a tube by rolling
roll out – to spread something flat after rolling it up
roll into – to form into a roll shape
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
unroll (v.) – to spread out something that is rolled
Meaning 3：pass steadily (roll)
roll
/roʊl/
v.
(Of time) to pass or move forward steadily and smoothly.
pass steadily
➕
/pæs ˈstɛdɪli/
v.
To describe the continuous, smooth passage of time.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The months rolled on quickly as she focused on her final year project at university.
The months rolled on quickly as she focused on her final year project at university.
🔗 Collocations
roll on – to continue to pass (time)
roll by – to pass (time) in a steady manner
roll around – to come around (of a recurring time)
🔄 Synonyms
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser