Portray

to depict or represent someone or something in a particular way, often through art, literature, or performance, to describe or represent someone or something in a particular manner, especially in a written or spoken form, to play the role or character of someone in a dramatic performance or film

Portray - Meanings

to depict or represent someone or something in a particular way, often through art, literature, or performance

Example: The artist portrayed the beauty of the countryside in her painting.

Usage: formalContext: art, literature, theater

Note: Commonly used in discussions about creative works and performances.

to describe or represent someone or something in a particular manner, especially in a written or spoken form

Example: The media often portrays celebrities in a negative light.

Usage: neutralContext: media, journalism, storytelling

Note: Frequently used in news reporting and storytelling to convey a particular image or narrative.

to play the role or character of someone in a dramatic performance or film

Example: She portrayed a strong and independent woman in the movie.

Usage: formalContext: acting, film, theater

Note: Commonly used in the context of acting and performing arts.

Portray's synonyms

depict

To depict means to show or represent something in a picture or story.

Example: The artist depicted a beautiful sunset in her painting.

Note: Depict is often used in artistic contexts, emphasizing the visual representation of something.

represent

To represent means to stand for or symbolize something.

Example: The report represents the views of the majority of the committee members.

Note: Represent can also imply speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something.

describe

To describe means to give an account of something in words.

Example: The author described the protagonist in great detail.

Note: Describe focuses on providing a verbal or written account rather than a visual representation.

To portray means to depict or represent someone or something in a particular way.

Example: The actor portrayed a troubled detective in the movie.

Note: Portray is a direct synonym of the original word with a similar meaning.

Portray expressions, common phrases

portray oneself as

To represent oneself in a particular way, often different from reality, to others.

Example: He always portrays himself as a confident and successful businessman.

Note: This phrase adds the aspect of self-representation to the act of portraying.

portray a character

To depict or represent a character in a performance or work of art.

Example: She portrayed the character of a strong and independent woman in the play.

Note: This phrase specifies the act of portraying a character rather than a general portrayal.

portray an image

To present or depict an image or representation of something.

Example: The media often portrays an unrealistic image of beauty.

Note: This phrase focuses on the portrayal of an image or representation.

portray emotions

To convey or represent emotions through one's actions or expressions.

Example: The actress portrayed a wide range of emotions in her performance.

Note: This phrase highlights the portrayal of emotions specifically.

portray a story

To depict or represent a narrative or storyline in a visual or artistic form.

Example: The painting beautifully portrays the story of love and loss.

Note: This phrase refers to the portrayal of a story or narrative.

portray a scene

To depict or represent a particular scene or moment in a vivid or expressive manner.

Example: The film effectively portrays the chaotic scene of the battle.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the portrayal of a specific scene or moment.

portray an idea

To represent or illustrate an abstract concept or thought through a creative medium.

Example: The artist used abstract shapes to portray the idea of freedom in her artwork.

Note: This phrase focuses on the portrayal of abstract ideas or concepts.

portray in a negative light

To depict or represent someone or something in a critical or unfavorable manner.

Example: The article portrayed the politician in a negative light, highlighting his scandals.

Note: This phrase specifies the negative portrayal of someone or something.

portray a culture

To represent or depict the customs, traditions, and way of life of a particular culture.

Example: The documentary aims to portray the rich culture of the indigenous tribe.

Note: This phrase refers to the portrayal of a specific culture.

Portray everyday (slang) expressions

portrayal

Portrayal is a more formal term that refers to the act of depicting or representing something.

Example: Her portrayal of the character was very convincing.

Note: Portrayal is a more sophisticated and nuanced term compared to the slang usage of 'portray'.

come across as

'Come across as' means to give a particular impression or to be perceived in a certain way by others.

Example: He comes across as arrogant in meetings.

Note: This expression focuses more on the perception by others rather than the intentional act of depicting like 'portray'.

seem like

Similar to 'come across as', 'seem like' suggests an impression but with a softer tone.

Example: She seems like a very caring person.

Note: It implies a casual observation rather than a deliberate portrayal.

give off

To 'give off' suggests emitting a particular aura or vibe that others can perceive.

Example: The painting gives off a mysterious vibe.

Note: It emphasizes the subtle signals or impressions rather than a direct portrayal.

put out there

'Put out there' means to present or propose something for consideration or judgment.

Example: He put out there a bold new concept for the project.

Note: It implies a more active participation in sharing ideas compared to a passive portrayal.

show oneself as

This phrase means to demonstrate or present oneself in a particular manner.

Example: In his speech, he showed himself as a compassionate leader.

Note: It focuses on personal behavior or characteristics being exhibited rather than a broader portrayal.

be recognized as

To 'be recognized as' refers to being acknowledged or known for a specific quality or role.

Example: She is recognized as a talented artist in the industry.

Note: It emphasizes the acknowledgment or acceptance of a portrayal rather than the act of portraying itself.

Portray - Examples

Portraying emotions through art is a powerful way of expression.

The movie portrays a realistic view of life in the 1920s.

The artist portrayed the beauty of nature in his paintings.

Portray grammar

Portray - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: portray

Conjugations

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): portrayed

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): portraying

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): portrays

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): portray

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): portray

Syllables, Separation and Stress

portray Contains 2 syllables: por • tray

Phonetic transcription: pȯr-ˈtrā

por tray , pȯr ˈtrā (The red syllable is stressed)

Portray - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

portray: ~ 4300 (Common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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