role model
nounEtymology Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton. First use appears c. 1944 in the American Sociological Review.
1
A person who serves as an example, or whose behavior is emulated by others.
- Where's my wife and family? / What if I die here? / Who'll be my role model / Now that my role model is gone, gone?1986, Paul Simon, “You Can Call Me Al”, in Graceland:
- Shepard: I don't have time for this, Conrad. I'm not here to be a role model. Conrad Verner: Oh, I see how it is. Commander Shepard doesn't have time for the little people! Conrad Verner: Far be it for me to get in your way! You go be a hero.2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel:
- Related terms
- authority figure, father figure, mother figure