ENGLISH
REFERENCE

depict

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //dɪˈpɪkt// UK //dɪpˈɪkt// de·pict Archaic

v. to show someone or something in a picture, painting, or story. You use this when describing how an artist or writer represents a person or idea.

v. to represent or portray something in a visual or literary medium. Transitive; requires a direct object to specify the subject being represented.


SIMPLE

The painting depicts a quiet scene in the countryside.

CONTEXTUAL

The documentary aims to depict the daily struggles of families living in extreme poverty without being overly dramatic.

COMPLEX

While many historians depict the era as one of constant conflict, recent archaeological findings suggest a more nuanced reality of cultural exchange and peaceful trade.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English depicten, from Latin dēpictus, from dēpingō.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Commonly used in passive constructions when discussing art or literature.

Pitfall

The book depicts about the war.The book depicts the war.Depict is a transitive verb and takes a direct object; it should not be followed by the preposition 'about'.

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