portrayal
pawr-TRAY-uhl
Portrayal (noun) means the way someone or something is represented or depicted, especially in a performance or artwork. Example: “Critics praised her portrayal of the grieving mother.”
noun
1
The way someone or something is represented or depicted, especially in a performance or artwork.
"Critics praised her portrayal of the grieving mother."
"The film's portrayal of the war was criticized as too sanitized."
"The actor's portrayal of the shy teacher made the whole audience laugh and cry."
How to use portrayal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow a character, event, or subject is shown or described.
Common pairings
a portrayal of
accurate portrayal
sensitive portrayal
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Word forms
- Plural
- portrayals
Fill the gap
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Critics praised her _____ of the grieving mother.
Etymology
From "portray" plus the suffix "-al."
Synonyms
View more →
depiction
representation
characterization
portraying
depicting
personation
enactment
portrait
delineation
portraiture
Related words
Rhymes for portrayal
See all rhymes for portrayal →Frequently asked questions
What does “portrayal” mean?
The word “portrayal” means the way someone or something is represented or depicted, especially in a performance or artwork. In plain terms, how a character, event, or subject is shown or described.
How do you pronounce “portrayal”?
“Portrayal” is pronounced pawr-TRAY-uhl (/ˌpɔɹˈtɹeɪ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “portrayal” in a sentence?
Here is “portrayal” used in a sentence: “Critics praised her portrayal of the grieving mother.”
What part of speech is “portrayal”?
“Portrayal” is a noun.
Is “portrayal” a common word?
“Portrayal” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between a "portrayal" and a "performance"?
A performance is the overall act of presenting a role, while a portrayal specifically refers to the way that character or subject is represented or depicted within it. An actor's performance can include many elements, but its portrayal of the character is what critics usually evaluate for accuracy or nuance.
What is the difference between "portrayal" and "depiction"?
The two words are close synonyms, both describing how someone or something is represented, but "portrayal" is used more often for performances and artworks depicting people, while "depiction" is common for scenes, events, or more general subjects.
Can a "portrayal" be criticized as inaccurate?
Yes, because a portrayal is specifically the way a person or subject is represented, it can be praised for being faithful or criticized for being inaccurate, stereotyped, or unfair, especially in film, television, or literature.
