portrayed

American  

[pawr-treyd] / pɔrˈtreɪd /

adjective

1. represented in drawing, painting, carving, or other visual image.

   The range of artistic approaches to Queen Elizabeth, the most portrayed woman in the world, make the exhibit well worth seeing.

2. graphically described in words.

   In the finely portrayed characters and vivid details of the rural setting, his novel illuminates a neglected piece of Jamaican history.

3. represented dramatically, as on the stage.

   Set in a richly portrayed society well-stocked with eccentric nobles and gossipy villagers, the series revolves around the daughter of a respected country doctor.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of portray.

Other Word Forms

• unportrayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of portrayed

portray ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who surveyed the school’s halls with a whistle around his neck and a tardy slip burning a hole in his pocket.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

"The 'Japan' portrayed in an anime world is often quite different from how Japanese society is", said Marika Sato, a 29-year-old who works in marketing in Tokyo.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Alyson Hannigan, who portrayed Willow, shared: “My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers … I love you.”

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

They jokingly portrayed the actor as superhuman, terrifying and god-like.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The press portrayed her as a star, making it sound as if she had won the case on her own.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• descriptive
• illustrated
• photographic
• visual
• vivid