portray
Americanverb
-
to represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, etc; make a portrait of
-
to make a verbal picture of; depict in words
-
to play the part of (a character) in a play or film
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The “Sinners” star won the Actor Award for lead actor for portraying the film’s twin ex-mob enforcers turned juke joint owners, Smoke and Stack.
From Los Angeles Times
While her affection for Kermit is true, the great joke of their affair is that he’s often portrayed as tolerating her instead of providing the full worship she demands – nay, deserves.
From Salon
When it was founded in Aberdeenshire the firm portrayed itself as a rebellious challenger to a UK brewing industry it regarded as stuffy and corporate.
From BBC
She also testified that her older sister suffered from an eating disorder — details the defense sought to portray as the source of her body dysmorphia.
From Los Angeles Times
A spokesperson for Gemini Untwined, which funds specialist surgery for rare newborns joined by the head, said portraying conjoined twins as entertainment was "morally reprehensible".
From BBC
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.
