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

In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who surveyed the school’s halls with a whistle around his neck and a tardy slip burning a hole in his pocket.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Earlier this week, HBO boss Casey Bloys confirmed to Variety that they had not yet cast an actor for the role of Harry's arch enemy Voldemort - portrayed on the big screen by Ralph Fiennes.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

But here, the dancers portrayed themselves as everyday people who expressed their feelings through movement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Alyson Hannigan, who portrayed Willow, shared: “My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers … I love you.”

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Cloaking his savagery under the banner of civilization, Hale portrayed himself as an American pioneer who had helped forge a nation out of the raw wilderness.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• descriptive
• illustrated
• photographic
• visual
• vivid