What is roll? Pronunciation and usage in English

roll means . Learn how to pronounce and use roll through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of roll

rollverb

/rəʊl/
Definition & pronunciation of roll

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "roll" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • rhymes with "bowl"

So, it sounds like: "bowl"

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  1. The "r" sound: This is the key! Don't pronounce a strong "r" like in "red." Instead, it's a flapped "r". This means you quickly tap your tongue against the roof of your mouth, producing a very light sound. It's almost like a very short, quick "d" sound. Think of how you might pronounce "butter" in some dialects.

  2. The vowel sound: The vowel sound is similar to the "o" in "bowl" or "go." It’s a short, open "o" sound.

Putting it together:

Imagine saying "bowl" and then quickly replacing the "b" with a very light tap on your tongue.

Resources to hear it:

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • Strong "r" sound: This is the most frequent mistake. It makes the word sound unnatural.
  • Saying "rowl": This is also incorrect.

To practice, say "roll" several times, focusing on that quick, light tap of your tongue.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with the same "r" sound?
  • Explain how to practice the flapped "r" sound in more detail?

Usage and examples with the word roll in English

Let's break down how to use the word "roll" in English. It’s a surprisingly versatile word with lots of different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Movement & Rolling (Physical Action):

  • To move in a circular motion: This is the most common meaning.
    • "The ball rolled down the hill."
    • "He rolled around on the grass."
    • "The suitcase rolled across the floor."
  • To curl up:
    • “She rolled into a ball to stay warm.”
  • To “roll” something to you (offer):
    • "Could you roll me a cigarette?" (meaning, please pack one for me)
    • "He rolled me a piece of candy."

2. Dice & Games:

  • To roll dice: This is a very specific usage.
    • "Let's roll the dice to see who goes first."
    • "He rolled a seven."

3. Vegetables & Food:

  • Rolls (Baked Goods): These are doughy rolls of bread.
    • “We’re having dinner with rolls.”
    • “She baked fresh rolls.”
  • Rolled Meat: Meat that's been wrapped in dough and baked or fried.
    • "We had rolled beef tonight."
  • Rolled Vegetables: Vegetables that have been rolled in batter and fried.
    • "I love crispy rolled onions."

4. Figurative & Idiomatic Uses:

  • To roll someone's eyes: (idiom) – to show disapproval or boredom.
    • "She rolled her eyes at his ridiculous story."
  • To roll with something: (idiom) – to accept or adapt to a situation.
    • “Let’s just roll with the changes.”
    • “He rolled with the punches and handled the difficult situation well.”
  • To roll over (on a computer): (computer term) – to refresh a webpage.
    • "I'm going to roll over the page to see if there are any updates."
  • To "roll out" a carpet/rug: To spread it out.
    • “They rolled out the new carpet.”

5. Verbs (Less Common, but Important):

  • To roll (a cigarette): To pack a cigarette with tobacco.
    • “He can roll a mean cigarette.”
  • To roll (someone): (offensive and outdated) – This is a very old and generally unacceptable term meaning to beat or abuse someone. Never use this term.

Tips for Using "Roll" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "roll" changes depending on how it’s used in a sentence. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Verb vs. Noun: “Roll” can be both a verb (an action) and a noun (a thing).
  • Colloquial Usage: The idiom meanings ("roll with," "roll eyes") are common in everyday conversation.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to use "roll" for? (e.g., “I want to use it in a sentence about a ball,” or “I’m trying to understand the idiom ‘roll with’.”)

Synonyms for the word roll

Practice with vocabulary roll

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company decided to _____ out its new marketing campaign next quarter.
  2. The team plans to _____ the new software update by the end of the week, following a phased approach.
  3. To effectively flatten the dough for the pastry, you need to gently apply pressure and _____ it evenly.
  4. Despite the unexpected delay, we decided to _____ with the original project timeline as much as possible.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following phrases best describes the introduction of a new product or strategy to the market? a) phase in b) roll out c) wind down d) launch

  2. When facing unexpected challenges or setbacks, a resilient individual tends to: a) withdraw completely b) stand firm without adapting c) roll with the punches d) pivot quickly and adjust

  3. If you need to move a heavy cylindrical object, such as a large pipe, across a flat surface, you would most likely: a) slide it b) carry it c) roll it d) drag it

  4. Which of the following words means to implement or put into effect a plan, law, or system? a) propose b) enact c) conceive d) outline

  5. To make gradual progress or move forward in a series of steps is to: a) regress b) advance c) stagnate d) defer

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project team plans to introduce the new software update gradually over the next few months. Rewrite using "roll":
  2. The management decided to reverse the decision regarding the recent price increase. Rewrite using "roll":
  3. It is crucial to examine the evidence carefully before making a final judgment. Rewrite without using "roll":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. roll
  2. implement
  3. roll
  4. proceed

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) roll out, d) launch
  2. c) roll with the punches, d) pivot quickly and adjust
  3. c) roll it
  4. b) enact
  5. b) advance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project team plans to roll out the new software update gradually over the next few months.
  2. The management decided to roll back the decision regarding the recent price increase.
  3. It is crucial to scrutinize the evidence carefully before making a final judgment.

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