portray

[pawr-trey]

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.

portray

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of portray¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of portray¹

C14: from Old French portraire to depict, from Latin prōtrahere to drag forth, bring to light, from _pro- ¹ + trahere to drag

Synonym Study

See depict.

Example Sentences

As sector chief in El Centro, which covers roughly the eastern half of California, he released highly produced promotional videos that portrayed Border Patrol agents in action-style movies, often set to heavy metal music.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But their more intimate songs portray her as an habitual outsider who doubts her own abilities and motivations.

Read more on BBC

"They want to portray a narrative that things aren't as safe as people say."

Read more on Barron's

Paradox has tried to remove “African Dawn” from various gaming platforms, saying it portrayed elements of genocide.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denounced the strikes as a pretext of regime change, portraying them as violations of sovereignty and international law.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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