1. (

• function ,
• office ,
• part ,
• role

) the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group; "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role" ;

2. (

• character ,
• role ,
• theatrical_role ,
• part ,
• persona

) an actor's portrayal of someone in a play; "she played the part of Desdemona" ;

3. (

• function ,
• purpose ,
• role ,
• use

) what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" ;

4. (

• role ,

) normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting; "what is your role on the team?" ;