depict

[ dih-pikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to represent by or as if by painting or other visual image; portray; delineate.

   Synonyms: limn, paint, draw, reproduce

2. to represent or characterize in words; describe.

depict

/ dɪˈpɪkt /

verb

1. to represent by or as by drawing, sculpture, painting, etc; delineate; portray
2. to represent in words; describe

Derived Forms

• deˈpiction, noun
• deˈpictive, adjective
• deˈpicter, noun

Other Words From

• de·pict·er de·pic·tor noun
• de·pic·tion noun
• de·pic·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of depict¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin dēpictus (past participle of dēpingere ), equivalent to dē- de- + pic- past participle stem of pingere “to paint” ( paint ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of depict¹

C17: from Latin dēpingere, from pingere to paint

Synonym Study

Depict, portray, sketch imply a representation of an object or scene by colors or lines, or by words. Depict emphasizes vividness of detail: to depict the confusion of departure. Portray emphasizes faithful representation: We could not portray the anguish of the exiles. Sketch suggests the drawing of the outlines of the most prominent features or details, often in a preparatory way: to sketch the plans for a community development.

Example Sentences

It also depicts her friendship with Roxon, a fellow Australian living stateside and the writer of the groundbreaking Lillian Roxon’s Rock Encyclopedia, which was published in 1969.

From Fortune

They also argue that a notorious photo apparently depicting a police officer patting a suspected assailant on the shoulder actually shows the officer “pushing” the suspect away.

From Quartz

Investigators had recorded phone calls and emails showing the couple worked with Singer to get their daughters into USC with fake athletic profiles depicting them as star rowers.

From Fortune

The scientists then drafted local artists to help illustrate the research they wanted to depict.

From Science News For Students

The low numbers do not depict the real situation, according to experts.

From Quanta Magazine

On the opposite end of the spectrum are two other standout works, which depict Mary as a loving, nurturing mother.

From The Daily Beast

It is certainly not correct to exclusively depict her as an entirely innocent victim.

From The Daily Beast

The resultant pop culture is as morbid and contagious as the epidemics they depict.

From The Daily Beast

As a reward for her attempt to depict the consequences of online commenters, Gwyneth Paltrow has become their latest victim.

From The Daily Beast

The show tried to depict consensual sex between Jaime and Cersei Lannister—but messed up big time.

From The Daily Beast

She paled beside Valerie Marneffe, though, to be sure, Daudet knew better than to attempt to depict any such queen of vice.

From Project Gutenberg

All historians who have written of Champlain attribute to him the qualities which we have endeavoured to depict in these pages.

From Project Gutenberg

It has in all ages been a pastime of noble minds to try to depict a perfect state of society.

From Project Gutenberg

Reynolds loved to depict his sitters in mythological or historical settings.

From Project Gutenberg

Why should we linger on a scene which each heart can depict for itself?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• characterize
• detail
• illustrate
• interpret
• paint
• portray
• represent
• reproduce
• sketch