Portfolio Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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portfolio
[ˈpɔːtˌfəʊlɪəʊ ]
Definition
professional work
A portfolio is a collection of work samples that showcase a person's skills, experience, and accomplishments. It is typically used by artists, designers, photographers, and other creative professionals to demonstrate their capabilities to potential clients or employers. Portfolios can include a variety of materials such as artwork, design projects, photographs, writing samples, and more.
Synonyms
collection, compilation, showcase.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| portfolio |
Used mainly in artistic or professional settings to display a collection of works, projects, or financial assets.
|
| collection |
Used to refer to a group of similar items gathered for personal or professional purposes, often for display or study.
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| showcase |
Used to highlight or display the best examples of something, often to attract attention or admiration.
|
| compilation |
Refers to a group of works or items put together in one place, often for convenience or thematic unity; can sometimes imply an element of editing or arranging.
|
Examples of usage
- My portfolio includes examples of my graphic design projects.
- She presented her photography portfolio to the art gallery for consideration.
- He updated his portfolio with his latest writing samples.
- The portfolio showcased a diverse range of artistic styles.
- The portfolio was instrumental in securing new clients for the design agency.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- In educational settings, students create portfolios to showcase their learning progress and personal growth.
- Digital portfolios have become popular, where students can present their work online, making it easier to share with teachers and peers.
Art and Design
- Artists and designers often have portfolios to exhibit their best work when applying for jobs or exhibitions.
- A well-organized portfolio can significantly influence an artist's career, showcasing their style and versatility.
Business
- In finance, a portfolio consists of various investment assets, like stocks and bonds, that an individual or institution holds.
- Portfolio management is crucial as it involves strategizing to maximize returns while minimizing risks.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, characters often use a portfolio to pitch their ideas or talents, emphasizing the importance of presentations.
- The term 'portfolio' is sometimes humorously misused in social media, where people display snapshots of their life as if they are showcasing a portfolio.
Origin of 'portfolio'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Italian 'portafoglio', meaning 'to carry' (portare) and 'leaf' or 'fold' (foglio).
- Originally, a portfolio referred to a case for carrying loose papers and later expanded to include collections of work.
The term 'portfolio' originated from the Italian word 'portafoglio', which means a case for carrying loose papers. It was first used in English in the 18th century to refer to a collection of securities or investments held by an individual. Over time, the meaning evolved to include a collection of artistic or professional work samples. Today, the concept of a portfolio is widely used across various industries to showcase skills and accomplishments.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,075 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 6072 arrow
- 6073 resignation
- 6074 memorial
- 6075 portfolio
- 6076 abolished
- 6077 characterization
- 6078 agreeable
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