verb
Common
portrayed
por-TRAYD
Portrayed (verb) means past tense and past participle of portray: to show or describe someone or something in a particular way, in words, pictures or performance. Example: “The film portrayed him as a reluctant hero.”
verb
1
Past tense and past participle of portray: to show or describe someone or something in a particular way, in words, pictures or performance.
"The film portrayed him as a reluctant hero."
"Early maps portrayed the coastline as a smooth arc."
"The newspaper portrayed the mayor as a friendly, hard-working neighbour."
2
Played the part of a character in a film, play or television programme.
"She portrayed the queen in three seasons of the series."
"He portrayed a nervous detective in the school's production of the play."
"The young actor portrayed the villain so well that audiences booed him."
How to use portrayed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShown or described in a certain way.
When to use it
Neutral, slightly formal; common in reviews, criticism and news writing.
Memory tip
Portrayed as introduces the impression given: 'portrayed as a victim'. Portrayed by names the actor: 'portrayed by Meryl Streep'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
portrayed as
accurately portrayed
portrayed in the media
often portrayed
portrayed by
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film _____ him as a reluctant hero.
Etymology
From portray, from Old French portraire meaning 'to draw forth or depict', from Latin protrahere.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for portrayed
See all rhymes for portrayed →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between portrayed and depicted?
Depicted is the more neutral of the two and suits pictures, diagrams and plain description. Portrayed carries a stronger sense of interpretation — of someone choosing how a subject should come across — which is why critics say a character was portrayed sympathetically.
What is the difference between portrayed and betrayed?
They are unrelated despite the near-identical sound. Portrayed means represented or depicted; betrayed means broke someone's trust or gave away a secret.
Do you say portrayed by or portrayed as?
Portrayed by names the person doing the portraying, usually an actor: 'Hamlet, portrayed by Andrew Scott'. Portrayed as names the impression created: 'portrayed as a tyrant'.
What is the meaning of portrayed?
"portrayed" (verb) means past tense and past participle of portray: to show or describe someone or something in a particular way, in words, pictures or performance.
