role and roll - the difference

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ROLE / ROLL

(1) A 'role' is an 'actor's portrayal of a character' or 'a job or function'. (2) A roll is a 'list (of names)' or a 'piece of bread'. 'To roll' usually means to 'gather by rolling' or 'to move by rotating'.

Writers often confuse the words 'role' and 'roll'.

Role

The noun 'role' means 'an actor's portrayal of a character' or 'a job or function' (of a person or thing).

Examples:

Teddy was totally convincing in the role of Shylock.

What's your role onboard this aircraft?

The thermostat's role is to keep the temperature below 200 degrees so the casing does not melt.

Roll

The word 'roll' has several meanings:

To move by rotating or gather by rolling.

Roll the hay bale down the hill.

Roll over a bit. You're hogging the bed.

Roll your sleeves up and roll me the best cigar ever.

To move on wheels.

The skateboarders rolled past the park attendant, and he did not say a word.

A list.

Please check the nominal roll to ensure we're all present.

To start.

Roll the cameras.

Roll the credits.

A small round piece of bread (i.e., a bread roll).

Would you like butter on your roll?

Select the correct version:

ROLL THE BALL

The word roll usually has a circular, spherical or cylindrical connotation. For example:

Roll a cigar

Roll the film

Roll away.

Let the last two letters of 'ball' bring 'roll' to mind.

A LIST ISN'T ROUND

The most obvious exception to this is when 'roll' means 'list'. In this case, let the last letter of 'roll' remind you of 'list'.

Associated lessons:

What are nouns?
What are verbs?
List of easily confused words