Portrait: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, especially one that focuses on their face and captures their personality.

• The artist spent hours working on a portrait of his grandmother.
• She hung the beautiful portrait of her family in the living room.

A general term for a visual representation of someone or something. This can include photos, drawings, and other forms of visual art and is not limited to people.

• He showed me an image of the new building design.
• The computer screen displayed a high-resolution image of the galaxy.

Commonly used to describe any visual representation, including photos, paintings, or drawings. It is a more informal and versatile term.

• She took a picture of the sunset with her phone.
• The walls of the café were decorated with pictures of famous landmarks.

Often used to describe a representation that closely resembles the person or thing. This can be in the form of a sculpture, painting, or other artistic work.

• The sculptor was praised for the lifelike likeness of the historical figure.
• This drawing captures his likeness perfectly.

This term is typically used for a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person that focuses on their face and expression. It emphasizes the individual's personality and mood.

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• The artist unveiled a stunning portrait of the queen
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• She hung a family portrait above the fireplace

This word is used for a detailed description or representation of a scene, event, or person in literature, art, or other media. It can be visual or textual.

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• The movie provided a grim depiction of war
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• His book offers a vivid depiction of life during the medieval period

Use this term for something that stands for or symbolizes something else, often in a broader or more abstract context. It can be in art, literature, or other forms of media.

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• The statue is a representation of freedom
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• In the painting, the color red is a representation of passion and love

This term refers to a rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often done quickly to capture the essential features of a subject or scene. It can also mean a brief description or outline of an idea.

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• She made a quick sketch of the landscape
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• He presented a sketch of his plan during the meeting

Use 'portrait' when referring to an artistic representation of a person, typically highlighting their face and expression. Often used in art, photography, and formal settings.

• She hung a beautiful portrait of her grandmother in the living room.
• The artist is known for his striking portraits of famous personalities.

'Photo' is short for 'photograph' and is used for any image taken with a camera, whether digital or film. It's a casual term suitable for both professional and personal contexts.

• I took a photo of the sunset last evening.
• She shared her vacation photos on social media.

'Picture' is a general term that can refer to any visual representation, including drawings, paintings, and photos. It is widely used in everyday conversation and informal contexts.

• Can you draw a picture of a cat?
• We found some old pictures in the attic.

'Shot' is typically used in the context of photography and movies to describe the act of capturing an image or scene. It has a more technical connotation and is often used by professionals or enthusiasts.

• The director decided to redo the shot to get the perfect angle.
• He got an amazing shot of the fireworks display.