portray
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for portray, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To represent someone or something in a picture, film, or performance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use portray
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French portraire, "to draw a likeness of."
Full origin of portray →Frequently asked questions
What does “portray” mean?
The word “portray” means to represent someone or something in a picture, film, or performance. In plain terms, to show or describe someone or something in a particular way, in art, film, or writing.
How do you pronounce “portray”?
“Portray” is pronounced paw-TRAY (/poɹˈtɹeɪ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “portray” in a sentence?
Here is “portray” used in a sentence: “The actor portrayed a struggling detective.”
What part of speech is “portray”?
“Portray” is a verb.
Where does the word “portray” come from?
The word “portray” comes from Middle French. From Middle French portraire, "to draw a likeness of.".
Is “portray” a common word?
“Portray” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “portray” have?
“Portray” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to represent someone or something in a picture, film, or performance.
What is the difference between "portray" and "depict"?
Portray and depict are close synonyms both meaning to represent someone or something in a picture, film, performance, or words, and are largely interchangeable. "Portray" is used slightly more often for representing a person or character, especially in acting, while "depict" is common for scenes, events, or ideas.
What is the difference between "portray" and "play" a role?
An actor is said to "play" a role in the sense of performing it, while "portray" emphasizes how that character is represented or characterized, including tone and interpretation. So an actor plays a role but portrays a character in a particular way.
Can you "portray" something in writing, not just on screen?
Yes, portray also means to describe or depict in words, so a novel or article can portray a person or situation just as a film or painting can. The word applies to any medium that represents or characterizes its subject.