portfolio
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a collection of your best work, like drawings or photos, used to show people what you can do.
a curated selection of an individual's professional work, typically used in creative industries to demonstrate competence and style to potential employers.
Simple“The graphic designer brought her portfolio to the interview to show her latest logo designs.”
In context“Aspiring architects must assemble a diverse portfolio that showcases both their technical drafting skills and their conceptual creativity.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the group of different investments, like stocks or property, that a person or company owns.
the total collection of financial assets and investment instruments held by an individual or institution.
Simple“He decided to diversify his portfolio by buying some gold and real estate.”
In context“The fund manager rebalanced the investment portfolio to reduce exposure to volatile emerging markets during the economic downturn.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the specific area of responsibility given to a high-level government official.
the specific set of duties or the department assigned to a cabinet minister or government official.
Simple“The new minister was given the education portfolio in the recent government reshuffle.”
In context“After the election, the prime minister assigned the foreign affairs portfolio to one of the party's most experienced diplomats.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
the full range of products or services that a company offers.
the complete suite of products, services, or brands managed by a commercial entity.
Simple“The tech company is expanding its portfolio to include smart home devices.”
In context“The corporation decided to divest from its tobacco interests to focus on its growing healthcare product portfolio.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
a large, flat case used for carrying papers or drawings.
a portable case designed for the transport of large, flat documents, such as maps, sketches, or architectural plans.
Simple“She tucked the large sketches into her leather portfolio before heading to the meeting.”
In context“The artist carried a waterproof portfolio to protect his charcoal drawings from the sudden afternoon rain.”
Usage portfolio including many historic
“However, the duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, sprawling property portfolios that date back to feudal times, are exempt from most business taxes, allowing them to maximise their profits.”
“And traders who diversified their portfolios say it has helped cushion the blow from the stock market rout.”
From Italian portafoglio; cognate with French portefeuille (“folder, wallet”), from Latin portāre (“to carry”) and folium (“sheet”). The meaning "collection of responsibilities" came by extension in the 1930s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.