Role vs. Roll: What's the Difference?
The words role and roll carry distinct meanings and are often confused in English due to their similar pronunciation. Role refers to a character played by an actor, a part an individual plays in a real-life scenario, or a function someone or something serves. Roll, on the other hand, typically signifies a list or roster, the act of turning over and over, or a small piece of baked bread. Understanding the usage context for each term is imperative for clear communication.
How do you use the word role in a sentence?
Use the word role when referring to a position or part that someone or something assumes in a specific context. It can be related to someone's job, like the role of a manager, or to the part a performer plays in a play or movie. It's also used more abstractly to describe the function or expected behavior in various situations.
Examples of role in a sentence
- She auditioned for the leading role in the new Broadway musical.
- As a mentor, your role is to guide and support your mentees.
- The new software plays a crucial role in our data analysis process.
How do you use the word roll in a sentence?
The word roll can be used to describe the action of something rotating on an axis, like rolling a ball, or to mention a flexible list or document containing names, like a class roll. It also denotes a small, often round loaf of bread. Its appropriate utilization hinges on the specific meaning you intend to convey.
Examples of roll in a sentence
- The child loved to roll down the grassy hill in the park.
- Please ensure your name is on the attendance roll.
- She grabbed a warm roll from the basket to complement her soup.
Role and roll definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Role definition:
A role is a function or position that someone occupies in a particular situation or the character portrayed by an actor in a performance.
Role parts of speech:
Role pronunciation:
Role is pronounced as /rəʊl/.
Roll definition:
Roll can mean to move by turning over and over, to wind or wrap something around, or a small usually rounded piece of bread.
Roll parts of speech:
Roll pronunciation:
Roll is pronounced as /rəʊl/, which is identical in sound to 'role'.
A role is a function or position that someone occupies in a particular situation or the character portrayed by an actor in a performance.
Role parts of speech:
- Noun: Her role in the play was challenging but rewarding.
Role pronunciation:
Role is pronounced as /rəʊl/.
Roll definition:
Roll can mean to move by turning over and over, to wind or wrap something around, or a small usually rounded piece of bread.
Roll parts of speech:
- Verb: The barrels were too heavy to lift, so we had to roll them to the truck.
- Noun: He wrote his name neatly on the roll before passing it to the next student.
Roll pronunciation:
Roll is pronounced as /rəʊl/, which is identical in sound to 'role'.
Role vs. roll in a nutshell
Role and roll are homophones: they sound the same but have different meanings. Role often represents a job, function, or character played, while roll can indicate a list, the act of rolling, or a type of bread. Using the correct word is key to maintaining clear communication. Whether discussing a job description or the act of rolling dice, understanding these terms ensures precision and clarity in writing and speech.
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