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”

Example Sentences

She said that Epstein paid portions of her tuition through one of his foundations, portraying the payments as scholarships.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rosta wasn’t trying to portray that, but it was true — describing one bad spat in his early high school years in Toronto.

From Los Angeles Times

Good, a mother of three, has been portrayed by government officials as a domestic terrorist who tried to run down an agent with her vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times

As portrayed by Mr. Giamatti, he’s a welcome jolt of energy in a show where the hostilities are largely intramural.

From The Wall Street Journal

I was to portray a Turkish boy in baggy black pants and a white cotton shirt.

From Literature

Related Words

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