verb

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

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."

Played the part of a character in a film, play or television programme.

"She portrayed the queen in three seasons of the series."

How to Use Portrayed

Learner’s notes

In 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'.

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Easily confused with

depicted betrayed → played

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.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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depicted represented described characterised painted played acted performed as

Related Words

Drew painted pictured described

Rhymes for portrayed

eyed dyed keyed Fayed swayed flayed frayed annoyed delayed decayed strayed sprayed

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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'.

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