portrayed

American  

[pawr-treyd] / pɔrˈtreɪd /

adjective

1. represented in drawing, painting, carving, or other visual image.

   The range of artistic approaches to Queen Elizabeth, the most portrayed woman in the world, make the exhibit well worth seeing.

2. graphically described in words.

   In the finely portrayed characters and vivid details of the rural setting, his novel illuminates a neglected piece of Jamaican history.

3. represented dramatically, as on the stage.

   Set in a richly portrayed society well-stocked with eccentric nobles and gossipy villagers, the series revolves around the daughter of a respected country doctor.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of portray.

Other Word Forms

• unportrayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of portrayed

portray ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

Unfortunately, the doctor sounded as condescending as Leah had portrayed him.

From Literature

He frequently portrayed himself as a political outsider, and promised to champion the interest of Filipinos in the provinces who felt marginalised by Manila's elite.

From BBC

"There's a new generation in Africa, of which I'm a part, that's demanding a certain freedom, identity, and authenticity, and that also wants to rethink the image portrayed of Africa and Africans," he said.

From Barron's

John Davidson, whose life with Tourette's syndrome was portrayed in I Swear by Robert Aramayo, was among those at the awards.

From BBC

Related Words

• descriptive
• illustrated
• photographic
• visual
• vivid