role-model
Meaning
A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Structure
Usage
Her dedication and integrity made her a role-model for young scientists.
Parents should strive to be positive role-models for their children.
The athlete's sportsmanship off the field cemented his status as a true role-model.
Etymology
The compound "role-model" is a modern construction, emerging in the mid-20th century from the vocabulary of sociology and psychology. It directly combines two distinct words: "role", which evolved from the theatrical term for a character's part, and "model", denoting an exemplary standard or pattern. The logic of the term is elegantly literal: it describes a person who serves as the exemplary pattern (model) for a particular social or professional function (role). This fusion captures the concept of behavioral imitation, where individuals pattern their actions and identity after someone exemplifying a desired position or character.
Analysis
- role: From French rôle, meaning "roll (of paper)" and later "part played by an actor". Ultimately from Latin rotulus, "a little wheel, roll". In this compound, it signifies a character or function. - model: From Middle French modelle, from Italian modello, from Latin modulus, "a small measure, standard". In this compound, it signifies a pattern or example to be followed.