Depiction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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depiction

[dษชหˆpษชkสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

artistic representation

A depiction is a drawing, painting, photograph, or other artwork that shows or describes something.

Synonyms

illustration, portrayal, representation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
depiction

Used when referring to the act of describing or showing something in words or images.

  • The book's depiction of life in a small village is very detailed
  • The artist's depiction of the sunset was breathtaking
representation

Refers to the way something is presented or depicted, especially in a formal or symbolic manner.

  • The statue is a representation of freedom
  • The artist's work offers a modern representation of classical themes
portrayal

Used when discussing how a person, character, or situation is represented in art, literature, or film, often focusing on how accurate or vivid it is.

  • The actor's portrayal of the historical figure was highly praised
  • Critics loved the portrayal of friendship in the movie
illustration

Often used when talking about drawings or pictures in books, magazines, or educational materials; it can also refer to clarifying or explaining with examples.

  • The textbook contains many illustrations to help explain the concepts
  • She provided an illustration of the theory using a simple diagram

Examples of usage

  • The artist's depiction of the sunset was breathtaking.
  • The museum features depictions of historical events.
Context #2 | Noun

description or portrayal

A depiction can also refer to a written or verbal description of something.

Synonyms

description, portrayal, representation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
depiction

Use when talking about a detailed visual or verbal presentation of someone or something.

  • The artist's depiction of the landscape was breathtaking.
  • In her novel, the author provides a vivid depiction of 19th-century life.
description

Commonly used in everyday context to provide details about something or someone.

  • Can you give me a description of the suspect?
  • The guide's description of the historical monument was very informative.
portrayal

Often used in artistic contexts, especially in literature and media, to show how someone or something is presented.

  • Her portrayal of the character earned her an Academy Award.
  • The movie's portrayal of the city life was both vibrant and realistic.
representation

Typically used in formal or academic contexts to discuss how something is presented or symbolized.

  • The sculpture was a modern representation of classical themes.
  • This graph is a visual representation of the data collected over the past year.

Examples of usage

  • The novel provides a vivid depiction of life in the 19th century.
  • His depiction of the crime scene was detailed and accurate.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art

  • Different art movements such as Impressionism and Surrealism have distinct styles of depiction, influencing how emotions are conveyed.
  • Historical depictions in art often reflect the culture and values of the time, showcasing societal beliefs.
  • Illustrations in childrenโ€™s books often use whimsical depictions to engage young readersโ€™ imaginations.

Literature

  • In literature, effective depiction brings characters and settings to life, helping readers visualize the story.
  • Metaphors and similes are common in literary works, serving as powerful tools for effective depiction.
  • Classic novels often focus on detailed depiction of environments to enhance the emotional impact of the narrative.

Psychology

  • Depiction can influence perception; how we show something affects how it is understood emotionally.
  • Cognitive psychology studies how visual representation impacts memory retention and recall.
  • People tend to remember stories better when the depiction of events is vivid and engaging.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows and movies use various styles of depiction to shape audience reactions towards characters.
  • Graphic novels combine visual and textual depiction, creating a unique storytelling experience.
  • In video games, the depiction of worlds and characters can heavily impact player immersion.

Origin of 'depiction'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'depictio,' which means 'to paint or represent.'
  • The prefix 'de-' suggests a sense of removing or presenting, while 'picere' relates to painting.
  • 'Depiction' has evolved over centuries, influencing how we understand art and literature.

The word 'depiction' comes from the Middle French word 'depicter' and the Latin word 'depictus', both meaning 'to depict or portray'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to the act of portrayal or representation in various forms of art and communication.


See also: depictable, depicting.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,402, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.