Temporary and Relative Roles: English Vocabulary List

someone who happens to be walking past a particular person, place, or event

"A passer-by stopped to help."

"A kind passer-by helped the old woman carry her heavy bags across the street."

a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part in it

"The bystander witnessed the accident."

"The innocent bystander saw the whole accident and gave important information to police."

a person of the same age, social status, or capability as another specified individual

"He is my peer."

"As a member of the House of Lords he is considered a peer of the realm."

a person who watches sport competitions closely

"Each spectator cheered for their team."

"The excited spectator cheered loudly for his favorite team during the football match."

a person who regularly travels to city for work

"He is daily commuter by train."

"The commuter train was packed with standing passengers during rush hour making the forty minute journey uncomfortable for everyone on board."

someone or something that regularly keeps another company, providing friendship, support, or association

"She is a travel companion."

"The elderly woman adopted a dog to be her faithful companion after her husband passed away."

someone with whom one works

"I had lunch with my colleague."

"My work colleague helped me finish the important project before the deadline."

someone who formally applies for something, especially a job, position, or opportunity

"The job applicant had a strong resume."

"Every job applicant must send a detailed resume and cover letter."

a person who answers or reacts

"The respondent agreed to participate."

"The respondent in the legal case was required to provide a formal answer to the allegations."

someone who works for a skilled person for a specific period of time to learn their skills, usually earning a low income

"The apprentice learned quickly."

"The young apprentice watched carefully as the master carpenter carved the wood knowing that someday he would need to perform the same delicate work alone."

the number of people who use a particular form of public transportation over a given period

"Bus ridership has increased this year."

"The new train line has high ridership every morning during rush hour."

the collective body of clients served by a business, professional, or institution

"The restaurant attracts a wealthy clientele."

"The restaurant has a loyal regular clientele who come every weekend."

a reliable and experienced person who helps those with less experience

"My mentor is wise."

"A peer mentor is a person at a similar level who provides support and guidance"

someone who rejects conventional behavior or allegiance

"The renegade left the group and started his own."

"The political renegade left his party and joined the opposition suddenly."

a person or thing that is responsible for the care, safety, and maintenance of someone or something

"The court appointed a legal guardian for the orphan."

"The court appointed a legal guardian to make decisions for the elderly man who could no longer care for himself."

someone who has recently gotten married

"The newlywed smiled."

"The newlywed couple moved into their first apartment together and spent the weekend unpacking boxes and organizing their new home."

an elite student with the highest grade throughout school that gets chosen to give a speech at their graduation ceremony

"She was the high school valedictorian."

"The valedictorian is the graduating student with the highest academic rank who delivers the farewell address at the commencement ceremony."

a person who resides outside their native country, often for work or personal reasons

"The expat missed his home country."

"The British expat has lived in Thailand for more than twenty years."

someone who looks after a child or an old, sick, or disabled person at home

"The caregiver assisted the elderly man daily"

"The elderly woman's caregiver helps her bathe dress and take medications every day."

a person who is registered or signed up for a course, program, or institution

"Each enrollee received a welcome packet."

"Each new enrollee must complete registration forms before starting the training program."

a person who is on foot and not in or on a vehicle

"The pedestrian crossed safely."

"The pedestrian waited for the light before stepping into the street."

a person who is not a member of a particular group, society, etc.

"He felt like an outsider."

"He felt like an outsider at the exclusive party, not knowing anyone there."

a person who receives something, such as an award, message, or item

"She was the recipient of the award."

"She was the proud recipient of the best student award this year."

a person who receives money or benefits

"She was the sole beneficiary of the will."

"She was the main beneficiary of her grandfather’s large estate after he passed away."

a person who resides in a shared living space, such as a household, institution, or facility

"The inmate lived there."

"All inmates are required to follow the strict daily schedule within the correctional facility."

someone acting on behalf of others

"The representative speaks for the entire district."

"The representative speaks for the entire district and votes on bills in the national parliament."

someone or something that gives money, clothes, etc. to a charity for free

"An anonymous donor funded the new library"

"The anonymous donor gave five million dollars to build a new children's hospital wing."

a person who manages and oversees the property, finances, or affairs of another person or organization

"He was the steward."

"The appointed steward meticulously managed the charity's finances, ensuring every donation was used responsibly and effectively."

a former member of the armed forces who has fought in a war

"My grandfather is a veteran of the Second World War."

"The elderly veteran proudly wore his medals from the war."