Portray (Verb)
Meaning 1
Portray in words; "The book portrays the actor as a selfish person".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The biography portrays the musician as a troubled soul who struggled with addiction throughout his life.
- Her novels often portray complex women who overcome incredible obstacles to achieve their goals.
- The documentary portrays the company as a responsible corporate citizen that prioritizes sustainability.
- The article portrays the artist as a visionary who changed the face of modern art.
- The play portrays the historical figure as a multifaceted personality with both admirable and flawed traits.
Related Words
Meaning 2
Assume or act the character of; "She impersonates Madonna"; "The actor portrays an elderly, lonely man".
Classification
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing.
Examples
- He portrays a confident public speaker, but in reality, he's incredibly nervous before every presentation.
- Her actress daughter can portray a wide range of emotions on screen.
- The lead actor skillfully portrays a complex and troubled historical figure in the film.
- She never overacts and effortlessly portrays the character's subtle mood shifts.
- The comedian often portrays various famous politicians for comedic effect in his sketches.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Make a portrait of; "Goya wanted to portray his mistress, the Duchess of Alba".
Classification
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing.
Examples
- The artist's skillful brushstrokes helped portray the subject's serene and gentle soul.
- The Renaissance master wanted to portray his patron in a majestic and powerful pose.
- He chose to portray his grandmother as a strong and independent woman in his painting.
- The photographer attempted to portray the majestic beauty of the ancient city at sunrise.
- Francisco de Zurbarán's famous portrait aimed to portray the humility and compassion of Saint Margaret.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 4
Represent abstractly, for example in a painting, drawing, or sculpture; "The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting".
Classification
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing.
Examples
- The mother in the novel is portrayed as a fiercely protective woman who will do anything to keep her family safe.
- In the new movie, the famous scientist is portrayed by a talented actor who has already won several awards.
- The country's struggles with poverty and corruption are portrayed in the emotional photographs taken by the young artist.
- The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting, but in reality he was quite ordinary-looking.
- The famous painting portrays the city as a vibrant and bustling metropolis, full of life and energy.