An Actor's Role Was Written on a Roll of Paper
A role is a part played or a function held. Its name comes from the paper it was written on.
A role is a part played by an actor, or a function someone fills. The word is French *rôle*, a roll of paper: an actor's lines were copied onto a small scroll rather than a full script, and the scroll gave its name to the part. The same idea underlies *payroll*, a rolled list of those to be paid, and *roll call*, reading names from a roll. The circumflex in French marks a lost s — *rolle* — not a change in meaning.
- An acting part. *The leading role.*
- A function. *His role in the team.*
- Role model. *A role model.*
- Roll — the same origin. *A roll.*
- French — *rôle*, a roll. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | role | A role. |
| Plural | roles | Roles. |
| Compound | role model | A role model. |
| Compound | role-play | Role-play. |
| French | rôle | A roll. |
- She landed the lead role.Acting.
- His role is advisory.Function.
- Lines were written on a scroll.History.
Words from rolled paper
- Role — an actor's part on a scroll
- Payroll — a rolled list of those paid
- Roll call — reading names from a roll
- Enrol — to write a name on a roll
- Control — from *contre-rôle*, a counter-roll for checking
French *rôle*, a roll of paper on which an actor's part was written, from Latin *rotulus*, a little wheel.
Why is an acting part called a role?
Because an actor's lines were copied onto a small roll of paper rather than a complete script.
Is control related?
Yes. It comes from contre-rôle, a duplicate roll kept for checking, hence a check on something.