portray
portray Lexical Profile
portray Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To describe, represent, or characterize someone or something in a particular way in words, writing, or public discourse.
"The historical biography attempts to portray the prime minister as a pragmatic reformer rather than an ideologue."
To play the role of a specific character or historical figure in a play, film, or television production.
"She was widely praised by theatre critics for her nuanced decision to portray the aging monarch with quiet dignity."
To make a visual likeness or image of someone or something through drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography.
"Renaissance painters often sought to portray their patrons surrounded by symbols of civic virtue and classical learning."
• Rhymes for portray
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French pourtraire ('to draw forth, depict'), from Medieval Latin protrahere ('to draw forth, reveal, paint'), formed from pro- ('forth') and trahere ('to draw, pull').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.