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Depicting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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depicting

[dɪˈpɪktɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

art

To depict means to represent or show something in a work of art, such as a painting, drawing, or sculpture. It involves capturing the essence or appearance of something through visual means.

Synonyms

illustrate, portray, render.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
depicting

Use 'depicting' when you are describing or showing something in words, pictures, or other forms of art, especially in a detailed or vivid manner.

  • The novel does an excellent job of depicting life in the 18th century
  • The mural is depicting a historic battle
portray

Use 'portray' when describing or representing someone or something in a specific role or manner, often in art, literature, or media.

  • The actor did an excellent job of portraying the troubled character
  • The painting portrays the hardships of rural life
illustrate

Use 'illustrate' when you are explaining or clarifying something by providing visual aids, examples, or stories.

  • The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the complex process
  • The book is illustrated with colorful drawings for children
render

Use 'render' when you want to say that someone is creating or presenting something in a particular way, or when describing how something appears or is made to appear.

  • The artist managed to render the landscape beautifully on canvas
  • The software can render 3D images very quickly

Examples of usage

  • He depicted the sunset in vibrant colors.
  • The artist depicted a historical event in his latest artwork.
Context #2 | Verb

description

To depict can also mean to describe or represent something using words or a description. It involves providing a detailed account or portrayal of something.

Synonyms

describe, portray, represent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
depicting

Used in visual or artistic contexts to show or illustrate something, often in detail.

  • The painting is depicting a serene countryside scene.
  • The artist is depicting historical events through his murals.
portray

Often used in contexts related to performing arts, literature, or visual arts to represent someone or something in a particular way.

  • The actor did an excellent job portraying the character.
  • The movie aims to portray the harsh realities of war.
represent

Used in broad contexts to stand for or symbolize something, including in abstract, symbolic, or formal scenarios.

  • In the diagram, each color represents a different type of data.
  • The painting represents the struggle between good and evil.

Examples of usage

  • She depicted the scene with vivid imagery in her novel.
  • The author depicted the character's emotions beautifully.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Depicting involves various artistic forms, from paintings and drawings to sculptures and photography.
  • In visual arts, the way an artist depicts a subject can change its meaning or emotional impact.

Literature

  • In storytelling, depicting refers to the author's ability to create vivid imagery that helps readers visualize scenes.
  • Using descriptive language allows authors to depict characters and settings in a way that readers can easily imagine.

Psychology

  • The way something is depicted can influence our perception of it, affecting how we feel or react.
  • Research shows that visual depictions can enhance memory retention more than verbal descriptions.

Pop Culture

  • In films and television, how a scene is depicted can significantly shape audience engagement and emotional response.
  • Graphic novels and comics are popular for their unique way of depicting stories through a combination of visuals and text.

Origin of 'depicting'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'depictus,' which means 'to paint or portray.'
  • The word has roots in the middle French 'depict,' indicating the evolution of its use through different languages.

The word 'depict' originated from the Latin word 'depictus', which means 'painted' or 'depicted'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century, primarily in the context of art and description. Over the centuries, 'depict' has evolved to encompass visual representation in various forms of media, from paintings to literature.

See also: depictable, depiction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,164, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.