depiction

[dih-pik-shuhn]

noun

1. representation in image form, as in a painting or illustration.

   Picasso's painting Guernica is an accurate depiction of the horrors of war.

2. representation or characterization in words.

   Mark Twain's letters are a clear depiction of his life and times.

3. an act or instance of depicting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of depiction¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin dēpictiōn-, stem of dēpictiō “portrayal,” equivalent to dēpict(us), past participle of dēpingere “to portray” + -iō -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

His illustration received little attention from Newton's contemporaries, even though it was one of the clearest early depictions.

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I realize that all the statues are depictions of him—if he was taller, stronger, and generally cooler.

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The 54-minute “Speaking in Tongues” is a haunting depiction of a religious community surrounding its staunch, charismatic leader, called “A Man of the Cloth.”

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Sisterhood wouldn’t be sisterhood without “Little Women,” Louisa May Alcott’s foundational depiction of the vicissitudes of 19th century family life in New England.

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Others she identifies by matching them to fruits in Renaissance paintings, where they often appear in depictions of the Madonna and Child.

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Related Words

• drawing 
• illustration 
• image 
• likeness 
• picture 
• portrayal 
• representation 
• sketch