Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
1.
to make a likeness of by drawing, painting, carving, or the like.
2.
to depict in words; describe graphically.
3.
to represent dramatically, as on the stage: He portrayed Napoleon in the play.
Origin:
1300–50; Middle English portrayen < Middle French portraire < Late Latin prōtrahere to depict, Latin: to draw forth, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + trahere to draw
1300–50; Middle English portrayen < Middle French portraire < Late Latin prōtrahere to depict, Latin: to draw forth, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + trahere to draw
Related forms
por·tray·a·ble, adjective
por·tray·er, noun
non·por·tray·a·ble, adjective
pre·por·tray, verb (used with object)
un·por·tray·a·ble, adjective
EXPANDun·por·trayed, adjective
COLLAPSE
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Portray
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is fletcherise. Does it mean:
| to flee; abscond: |
| to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly. |
Example Sentences
- Though he often dwells on his own character, Hamsun skillfully uses mannerisms to portray character generally.
- Even religious texts portray both a loving and wrathful god and we use our conscience to decide which to follow.
- But the style of portraying low-class character is full of interest.
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
portray
c.1300, from Anglo-Fr. purtraire, O.Fr. portraire "to draw, to paint, portray" (12c.), lit. "trace, draw forth," from por- "forth" (from L. pro-) + traire "trace, draw," from L. trahere "to drag, draw" (see tract (1)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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