# depiction

/dɪˈpɪkʃən/ (US) · /dɪpˈɪkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/depiction
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a visual or verbal representation

noun · CEFR B2

a way of showing what someone or something is like in a painting, book, or movie.

For teachers: a representation of something in a creative work, such as a painting, film, or piece of literature.

- The book's depiction of life in the 1920s is very realistic.
- Critics praised the film for its nuanced depiction of the complex relationship between the two main characters.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the subject being represented.

### 2. the act of representing

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the act of showing or describing something.

For teachers: the process or act of depicting something through art or language. Uncountable in this sense.

- The artist is famous for his accurate depiction of human movement.
- The course focuses on the depiction of social class in nineteenth-century European literature.

Usage: Commonly used in academic contexts when discussing how subjects are treated in media or art.

## Examples

- The painting is a vivid depiction of rural life.
- Critics praised the film for its accurate depiction of 1920s New York City.
- The novel offers a nuanced depiction of grief, capturing both the sharp initial pain and the slow, quiet acceptance that follows.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.