Portray: meaning, definitions and examples

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portray

 

[ pɔːˈtreɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in acting

To depict or represent in a theatrical or dramatic manner. To act out a role or character on stage or in front of a camera.

Synonyms

act out, depict, represent

Examples of usage

  • He portrayed a villain in the movie.
  • She portrayed the character of a strong, independent woman.
  • The actor portrayed the emotions of the character brilliantly.
Context #2 | Verb

in art

To create a representation or likeness of someone or something through painting, drawing, or other visual arts.

Synonyms

depict, illustrate, render

Examples of usage

  • The artist portrayed the landscape with great detail.
  • She portrayed her pet in a realistic style.
  • The painting portrayed a sense of melancholy.
Context #3 | Verb

in writing

To describe or represent something in writing, often in a detailed or vivid manner.

Synonyms

depict, describe, represent

Examples of usage

  • The author portrayed the beauty of the countryside in his novel.
  • The poet portrayed the emotions of love and loss in her poems.
  • The journalist portrayed the events of the war with accuracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "portray" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retratar

🇮🇳 चित्रित करना

🇩🇪 darstellen

🇮🇩 menggambarkan

🇺🇦 зображати

🇵🇱 przedstawiać

🇯🇵 描写する (びょうしゃする)

🇫🇷 dépeindre

🇪🇸 retratar

🇹🇷 tasvir etmek

🇰🇷 묘사하다

🇸🇦 يصور

🇨🇿 zobrazit

🇸🇰 zobraziť

🇨🇳 描绘 (miáohuì)

🇸🇮 upodobiti

🇮🇸 lýsa

🇰🇿 суреттеу

🇬🇪 გამოსახვა

🇦🇿 təsvir etmək

🇲🇽 retratar

Word origin

The word 'portray' originated from the Middle English word 'portraien', which in turn came from the Old French word 'portraire', meaning 'to depict'. The term has its roots in Latin, specifically from the word 'portrahere', which means 'to carry' or 'to draw'. Over time, 'portray' evolved to encompass various forms of representation in art, acting, and writing, capturing the essence of depicting something in a creative or expressive manner.

See also: portrayable, portrayal, portraying.