What does "portrait" mean?

1. (picture of a person) a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually showing their face and shoulders. 2. (page orientation) a way of printing or showing a page where the top and bottom are shorter than the sides. 3. (detailed description) a detailed description of a person or a situation in a book or film. 4. (vertical format) describing something that is taller than it is wide.

How do you use "portrait"?

Often used in contrast with 'landscape' mode.

portrait

n. · adj.

US //ˈpɔɹtɹət// UK //pˈɔːtɹeɪt// por·trait

1 picture of a person (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually showing their face and shoulders.

a representation of a specific person, typically focusing on the face and expression.

Example

The artist spent three weeks painting a portrait of the mayor.

Example

The gallery features a striking portrait of the queen, captured in a rare moment of informal reflection rather than formal ceremony.
- landscape
2 page orientation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

a way of printing or showing a page where the top and bottom are shorter than the sides.

a mode of printing or display in which the vertical dimension is greater than the horizontal dimension.

Example

Please print the document in portrait so the text fits correctly on the page.

Example

The software defaults to portrait orientation for standard letters, though users can toggle to landscape for wider spreadsheets.

Usage

Often used in contrast with 'landscape' mode.
- vertical
- landscape

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3 detailed description (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

a detailed description of a person or a situation in a book or film.

a detailed verbal or cinematic description or analysis of a person or subject.

Example

The book provides a moving portrait of life in a small village.

Example

The documentary offers a nuanced portrait of the composer, balancing his professional triumphs against his turbulent personal life.
4 vertical format (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Printing

describing something that is taller than it is wide.

relating to or being a format that is taller than it is wide.

Example

The photographer took several portrait shots of the tall building.

Example

The designer opted for a portrait layout to emphasise the height of the fashion model in the advertisement.
- vertical
- landscape

Origin

From Middle French portraict, pourtraict, nominal use of the past participle of portraire (“portray”), from Latin prōtrahō (< prō- + trahō). Compare typologically English drawing.