English word role comes from Proto-Indo-European *rot-, Proto-Indo-European *Hret-, Latin -olus, and later Middle French (ca. 1400-1600) rolle (Role (function or position of something).)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *rot- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | wheel |
| *Hret- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| -olus | Latin (lat) | |
| rota | Latin (lat) | (figuratively) the disc of the sun. (pars pro toto) a car, a chariot. Wheel. |
| role | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | Roll; scroll (rolled up document). |
| rotulus | Late Latin (LL) | |
| rollus | Malayalam (mal) | |
| rolle | Middle French (ca. 1400-1600) (frm) | Role (function or position of something). |
| rôle | French (fr) | Character. Role. |
| role | English (en) | (grammar) : The function of a word in a phrase.. A character or part played by a performer or actor.. Designation that denotes an associated set of responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The expected behaviour of an individual in a society.. The function or position of something. |