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Definition of portrayal

portrayal

/pɔːrˈtreɪ.əl/
por · tray · al
Plural:portrayals
•
Adjective:portrayable
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portrayal Lexical Profile

portrayal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A depiction or representation of someone or something in a work of art, literature, or media.

Example

"The novel offers a realistic portrayal of family life in rural nineteenth-century England."

2

The interpretation and performance of a particular role by an actor in a play, film, or television production.

Example

"She won an Academy Award for her compelling portrayal of the historical monarch."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for portrayal

• Nearby Words

portraitist
portraiture
portray
portrayal
portrayer
portside
portugal

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century from the verb 'portray' and the noun-forming suffix '-al'. The verb derives from Old French 'portraire' (to draw or depict), ultimately from Latin 'protrahere' (to draw forth or reveal).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Portrayal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/portrayal
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