What is the difference between roll and role

According to the Oxford Dictionary, when the word roll is used as a noun it can have several definitions. There are other meanings for roll when used as a noun too. Observe the sentences given below. Roll as a noun means small round piece of bread, deep reverberation, or rumble and list of names. These phrases are often confused because they have the same pronunciation but different meanings. You should use 'the role of the'.

The right expression is 'an important role in'. These phrases are often confused because they are homophones. The right expression is 'played an important role'. The right phrase is 'plays an important role'. Some synonyms of role are: persona, characterization, theatrical role, duty, office.

Never confuse roll and role again. Install our free grammar checker browser extension. The Grammar Guide Spelling What is the difference between 'roll' and 'role'? It's easy to confuse homophones because they sound the same. Is the correct phrase 'on a roll' or 'on a role'?

The right phrase is 'on a roll'. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Table of Contents Expand. How to Use 'Roll'. How to Use 'Role'. How to Remember the Difference. Idiomatic Uses of 'Roll'. Richard Nordquist. English and Rhetoric Professor. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Updated April 14, Featured Video.

Cite this Article Format. Nordquist, Richard. Role: How to Choose the Right Word. Roll vs. Got it? Take a quick test. Roll the Ball The word "roll" usually has a circular, spherical, or cylindrical connection. For example: Roll a cigar Roll the film Roll away.

You might think "roll" meaning "list" is an exception to this observation. However, if you think of a roll as a scroll, the circular link is there.