Depiction: meaning, definitions and examples

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depiction

 

[dɪˈpɪkʃən ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 children’s books often use whimsical depictions to engage young readers’ 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "depiction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descrição

🇮🇳 चित्रण

🇩🇪 Darstellung

🇮🇩 penggambaran

🇺🇦 зображення

🇵🇱 opis

🇯🇵 描写

🇫🇷 description

🇪🇸 descripción

🇹🇷 betimleme

🇰🇷 묘사

🇸🇦 وصف

🇨🇿 popis

🇸🇰 opis

🇨🇳 描述

🇸🇮 opis

🇮🇸 lýsing

🇰🇿 сипаттау

🇬🇪 აღწერა

🇦🇿 təsvir

🇲🇽 descripción

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.