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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.

As Trump targets both friend and foe, some believe Xi can further upend the current US-led world order and portray his country as a stable, alternative global trade partner and leader.

From

He planned at one point to portray Gaye in a movie helmed by “Empire” executive producer Lee Daniels, Howard told Bill Maher on the “Club Random” podcast released Sunday.

From

First, Vladimir Putin declared a 30-hour cessation of hostilities over Easter, portraying it as a "humanitarian" gesture.

From

At a rally aimed at encouraging voters to leave the Democratic Party, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz portrayed the Republican Party as “patriotic and joyful” while denigrating the opposition as “angry and lonely.”

From

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

From

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portraitureportrayal