Depict Meaning and Definition
Depict
Pronunciation
/dɪˈpɪkt/
Part of Speech
Verb or Noun
Definition
To give a figurative or artistic representation of something, such as to describe or illustrate an idea, person, or thing in a vivid and imaginative way.
Examples
- The artist depicted the cityscape in their painting.
- The writer depicted the character’s feelings through descriptive language.
Synonyms
- Picture
- Description
Antonyms
- Omit
- Ignores
Etymology
The word “depict” comes from the Old French “depicer”, meaning “to describe” or “to represent”, and the Latin “pictura”, meaning “picture”.
Usage Notes
When using the verb “depict”, consider the context and audience to ensure the representation is vivid and accurate. In art, literature, or other forms of creative expression, “depict” can be used to describe the act of creation or representation.
Cultural References
In literature, the word “depict” is often used to describe an author’s powerful descriptions of characters, settings, or events. For example, in Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist”, the author depicts the harsh realities of poverty and homelessness in Victorian England.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“A picture is worth a thousand words” is a common idiomatic expression that suggests a visual representation can convey more information than a written description.
Related Words or Phrases
- Portray
- Illustrate
- Envision
Collocations
- a vivid depiction of the scene
- a detailed depiction of the character
Frequency of Use
The word “depict” is commonly used in creative writing, art criticism, and scholarly discussions of representation.
Common Misspellings
- Depty
- Depeict
- Depicte