Role Model Definition and Meaning

Role model

A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people. The term role model is credited to sociologist Robert K. Merton, who coined the phrase during his career. Merton hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires. An example being the way young fans will idolize and imitate professional athletes or entertainment artists.

In the second half of the twentieth century, U.S. advocates for workplace equity popularized the term and concept of role models as part of a larger social capital lexicon-which also includes terms such as glass ceiling, networking, mentoring, and gatekeeper-serving to identify and address the problems barring non-dominant groups from professional success. Mainstream business literature subsequently adopted the terms and concepts, promoting them as pathways to success for all career climbers. In 1970 these terms were not in the general American vocabulary; by the mid-1990s they had become part of everyday speech. Although the term role model has been criticized more recently as ‘outdated’, the term and its associated responsibility remains prominent in the public consciousness as a commonly used phrase, and a ‘powerful presence’ in the entertainment industry and media.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role_model

role model

An individual who is looked up to and revered by someone else. A role model is someone who other individuals aspire to be like, either in the present or in the future. A role model may be someone who you know and interact with on a regular basis, or may be someone who you’ve never met, such as a celebrity. Common role models include well known actors, public figures such as police men or political officials, teachers or other educators, and parents or other family members.


Use ‘role model’ in a Sentence

The Senator’s extensive background in crafting and supporting important legislation as well as his help to the community back home made him an excellent role model for the students as they finally had a politician they could look up to and hope to be like one day.

Gerta was happy to hear that her nephew saw her as a role model and that he wanted to be like her when he grew up.

Some people have signed up to be a role model whether they like it or not as it comes with the territory of success.


Source: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/role-model.html

role model
noun [ C ] uk us
?
a person who someone admires and whose behaviour they try to copy:
Sports stars are role models for thousands of youngsters.


‘role model’ in American English
role model noun [ C ] us ?
?

a person whose behavior is copied by others


Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/role-model

role model

A role model is someone others look to as a good example. A role model is someone who is worthy of imitation – like your beloved teacher or a well-behaved celebrity.

Just as a model is something that represents an inspirational ideal, a role model is someone who inspires others to imitate his or her good behavior. Parents try to be role models for their children by being good people. A famous person who gives money to charity or helps sick children is a role model. If someone behaves badly, you could say they’re a negative or bad role model – the kind of person who shouldn’t be imitated.


Definitions of role model

noun
someone worthy of imitation

Synonyms:
model

Type of:
leader
a person who rules or guides or inspires others

Source: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/role%20model

Role Model Definition

A role model is a person other people look up to in order to help determine appropriate behaviors. Role models can be either positive or negative. Positive role models offer a range of helpful or useful behaviors. Negative role models, on the other hand, offer examples of harmful or disruptive behaviors.

Virtually anyone can be a role model, but in Western culture, publicly visible figures such as athletes, actors, musicians, and celebrities are the most common examples. Other common role models include members of the clergy, police officers, and parents. Most of these people can be considered either negative or positive role models depending on their behaviors. Figures like drug dealers and gang members can be considered almost exclusively negative because of the behaviors they display.

As the sample list suggests, visibility plays an important part in making someone a role model. The most visible examples, like athletes or actors, involve individuals for whom public visibility is part of the job. Since many people can observe these individuals’ behaviors, it is likely people will imitate their behaviors and attitudes. While people of all ages may have role models, it is generally young people who are still developing their own identities who try so hard to emulate their role models.

Source: https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-role-model-definition-importance-example.html

role model

noun
a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.


RELATED WORDS
hero, heroine, exemplar, mentor, example, idol, superstar, epitome, paragon, star


Origin of role model
First recorded in 1955-60


Examples from the Web for role model

All this role-model stuff has always been garbage and ramped-up sportswriter libretto. – The Vindication of LeBron James|Buzz Bissinger|June 1, 2011|DAILY BEAST


Source: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/role-model

role model noun

Definition of role model

: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others


Examples of role model in a Sentence

Athletes should remember that they are role models.


Recent Examples on the Web

//The Marine Corps says this gives women time to do early training and study with female drill instructors who can serve as role models, help them build confidence and develop the skills needed to progress. – Lolita C. Baldor, The Seattle Times, ‘USMC move to integrate boot camp more ends; future unclear,’ 30 Mar. 2019

//If girls are exposed to strong, female STEM role models, a career in these fields will seem as attractive and attainable as any other. – Shannon Willoby, Redbook, ‘Why Girls Need More Mentors in STEM,’ 8 Mar. 2019


First Known Use of role model

1947, in the meaning defined above


More Definitions for role model


role model noun

English Language Learners Definition of role model

: someone who another person admires and tries to be like
See the full definition for role model in the English Language Learners Dictionary


role model noun
Kids Definition of role model

: a person whose behavior in a certain function is imitated by others


role model noun
Medical Definition of role model

: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others
//watching our parents and other role models deal with conflict- Melody Beattie

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/role%20model

role model – definition and synonyms

noun [countable]

someone whose behaviour is considered to be a good example for other people to copy


Synonyms and related words:

People and things that are admired and respected:legend, hero, role model…


Source: https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/role-model