depiction
Americannoun
-
representation in image form, as in a painting or illustration.
Picasso's painting Guernica is an accurate depiction of the horrors of war.
-
representation or characterization in words.
Mark Twain's letters are a clear depiction of his life and times.
-
an act or instance of depicting.
Etymology
Origin of depiction
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. )
Explanation
A depiction is a true representation of something, like the depiction of life as a Jewish teenager in hiding during World War II in Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl." The word depiction comes from the Latin word for "painting or description," depictionem. If a portrait really looks like you, it's a good depiction — the painter or photographer has done a great job. Another way to give a depiction of an experience is to tell or write about it in so much detail that it's like your audience is really there. Actors who portray real people work hard to make their depictions as true as they can.
Vocabulary lists containing depiction
Content Summary G.1: Principles of Geography
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Freedom Writers Diary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 19
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
SAN JOSE—Hardik Nahata was browsing merchandise at Nvidia’s annual conference when an item caught his eye: a green sweater with a cartoon depiction of Jensen Huang, the chip giant’s chief executive, emblazoned on the front.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
Even those familiar with the process at “SNL” will find Neville’s depiction of it fascinating, even somewhat novel.
From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026
The detail and depiction are convincing, but have heightened worries among some in Hollywood about the potential for AI to replace actors on a wider scale.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
This time, he tried to defend himself by arguing he thought his depiction was of a doctor healing someone, not Jesus.
From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026
For several reasons, however, this beguiling depiction cannot be summarily dismissed.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
