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View synonyms for

portray

[ pawr-trey ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make a likeness of by drawing, painting, carving, or the like.

    Synonyms: , ,

  2. to depict in words; describe graphically.

    Synonyms: , ,

  3. to represent dramatically, as on the stage:

    He portrayed Napoleon in the play.



portray

/ ɔːˈٰɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ǰˈٰ, noun
  • ǰˈٰⲹ, noun
  • ǰˈٰⲹ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ǰ·ٰ·· adjective
  • ǰ·ٰ· noun
  • non·ǰ·ٰ·· adjective
  • ·ǰ·ٰ verb (used with object)
  • un·ǰ·ٰ·· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of portray1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English portrayen, from Middle French portraire, from Late Latin ōٰ “to depict,” Latin: “to draw forth,” equivalent to ō- pro- 1 + trahere “to draw”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of portray1

C14: from Old French portraire to depict, from Latin ōٰ to drag forth, bring to light, from pro- 1+ trahere to drag
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Synonym Study

See depict.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

After five seasons, Penn Badgley says goodbye to the narcissistic sociopath character he portrayed in “You.”

From

The school district's lawyer told the court these books are no different than books portraying women working or soldiers fighting in wars, both behaviors proscribed by some religions.

From

Terry Deary, who created Horrible Histories, believes Corder has been "maligned" with Maria incorrectly portrayed as an innocent young maiden.

From

It is a match made in modern college football hell, a renowned learning institution cast as beggars, a misguided football player portrayed as the chooser, and, yeah, the whole thing stinks to Rocky Top.

From

Bass portrayed her city as pliant and fierce enough to take the hits and bounce back stronger.

From

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portraitureportrayal