portray

American  

[pawr-trey] / pɔrˈtreɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to make a likeness of by drawing, painting, carving, or the like.

   Synonyms:

   limn, delineate, picture

2. to depict in words; describe graphically.

   Synonyms:

   limn, delineate, picture

3. to represent dramatically, as on the stage.

   He portrayed Napoleon in the play.

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portray British  

/ pɔːˈtreɪ /

verb

1. to represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, etc; make a portrait of

2. to make a verbal picture of; depict in words

3. to play the part of (a character) in a play or film

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Related Words

See depict.

Other Word Forms

• nonportrayable adjective
• portrayable adjective
• portrayal noun
• portrayer noun
• preportray verb (used with object)
• unportrayable adjective

Etymology

Origin of portray

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English portrayen, from Middle French portraire, from Late Latin prōtrahere “to depict,” Latin: “to draw forth,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + trahere “to draw”

Explanation

When you paint a picture of someone, either in words or in paint, you portray them. Actors portray characters too. Whether you're talking about acting or another art form, the idea is the same: representing a person and bringing to light their most important qualities. To portray a person is to show who that person is, giving a sense of their personality or character. Often, famous people don't like how they're portrayed. For example, Presidents usually hate how they're portrayed in editorial cartoons. When you portray someone, you can be positive or negative, accurate or inaccurate. It's up to you.

Example Sentences

The indictments — along with a civil lawsuit and grand jury testimony referenced in motions to dismiss the charges — portray Brooks and Smyles as the main drivers of the fights.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

They portray him as the mastermind of a scheme of illicit enrichment.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Getting that recognition required her to portray a chauvinist’s version of a sitcom character that was beneath her on a show about another show.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

“New Humans” refuses to condemn innovation for its harms, but also doesn’t portray any step forward as an unalloyed good.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

We’d come out here to meet Mr. Pinkerton, Mr. Bangs, and the helpful operative who was to portray the wandering book peddler.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• characterize
• depict
• describe
• illustrate
• interpret
• paint
• render