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

Other Word Forms

• depictive adjective
• depicter noun
• depiction noun
• depictor noun

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

Across the floor and walls sprawl grand mosaics and sculptures depicting lions, piles of gold, thunderbolts and ancient Roman gods.

From BBC

And from Susan B. Anthony to Victoria Woodhull, Lepore depicts the suffragettes who marched for decades, often in tension with Black feminists, before they won the franchise.

From Los Angeles Times

At a vigil for Kirk in Huntington Beach this week, some attendees waved white flags depicting a red cross and the word “JESUS,” while some chanted, “White men, fight back!”

From Los Angeles Times

Uzcátegui said he was also detained for having a crown tattoo and for another depicting three stars, one for each of his younger sisters.

From Los Angeles Times

The image depicted a protester lying on the ground holding a blood-spattered placard while a judge, in a wig and gown, looms over him, wielding a gavel.

From BBC

Related Words

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