portrayal
AmericanOther Word Forms
- misportrayal noun
- nonportrayal noun
- preportrayal noun
Etymology
Origin of portrayal
Explanation
If you like the way an actor played the role of Abraham Lincoln, you might praise his portrayal of the sixteenth president. Use the noun portrayal to describe the representation of someone, either in the form of a dramatic character, a spoken description, or even a photograph or painting of the person. You can also talk about the portrayal of an object or idea: "Dorothea Lange's photographs are an accurate portrayal of the Great Depression." The Old French word portraire, "to draw or trace," is the root of portrayal.
Vocabulary lists containing portrayal
Academy Awards, List 6
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Between Shades of Gray
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Unmapped Sea
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Wyle is better known to some as ER's Dr John Carter, another US medical drama which was a massive hit in the 1990s, and which made Clooney famous for his portrayal of Dr Doug Ross.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
Her take-no-prisoners portrayal of Lois quickly became a defining career highlight.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
"The Cardinal emphatically denied the media's portrayal of his meeting with Colby," Burch said.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
She won a Bafta in 2010 for best leading actress and an Oscar nomination following her portrayal of a schoolgirl in the coming-of-age drama An Education.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Yet in its very portrayal, and in the lavish detail paid to its design, there was a certain false glitz, as though the entire exhibit were under a limelight.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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.
