The functions, parts, or positions that people or things have in particular situations. Can refer to theatrical parts, job responsibilities, or social expectations.
From French 'rôle', originally meaning a roll of paper on which an actor's part was written. This comes from Latin 'rotula', diminutive of 'rota' (wheel), referring to the rolled manuscript. The metaphorical sense of 'function in society' developed in the 17th century.
Every role was once literally written on a roll of parchment that actors would unroll to learn their lines - imagine Shakespeare's actors walking around with scrolls! This theatrical origin explains why we 'play' roles in life, treating social interactions as performances on the world's stage.
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