What does portray mean Meaning and Definition

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What does portray mean

What does portray mean

Pronunciation

/ˈpɔrtrɪˌweɪ/

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To represent or depict something in a picture, performance, or other form of expression, giving a vivid and detailed impression of it.

Examples

  • The actor portrayed a character in the movie as someone struggling with depression.
  • The artist portrayed the landscape in a serene and peaceful manner.

Synonyms

  • Depict
  • Represent
  • Illustrate

Antonyms

  • Obfuscate
  • Conceal
  • Hide

Etymology

The word “portray” has its origins in the 15th-century French word “porter,” meaning “to carry.” Over time, it evolved to convey the idea of representing or depicting something.

Usage Notes

When using the word “portray” in a sentence, be sure to follow these guidelines:

  • Use the verb form of the word when showing or acting something in a particular way.
  • Choose the correct tense: “The artist will portray her emotions on the canvas” (future tense).

Cultural References

The word “portray” has appeared in various forms of media, including:

  • The movie “The Artist” (2011), where the main character portrays a struggling silent film actor.
  • The novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, where the protagonist portrays a hedonistic and misanthropic young man.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “portray” are:

  • “Portray a picture” – to show or illustrate something visually.
  • “To portray one’s emotions” – to express or convey feelings through facial expressions, body language, or behavior.

Related Words or Phrases

Some words or phrases closely related to the word “portray” are:

  • Illustrate
  • Describe
  • Depict

Collocations

Some common word combinations with the term “portray” are:

  • “To portray a character” – to act as that character in a play, film, or other performance.
  • “To portray a scene” – to represent or recreate a scene or setting in a picture or performance.

Frequency of Use

The word “portray” is a relatively common term in everyday language, frequently used in both written and spoken communication.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings and variations of the word “portray” are:

  • Departure ( misspell for ‘portray’)

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