# portrait

/ˈpɔɹtɹət/ (US) · /pˈɔːtɹeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/portrait
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. picture of a person

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The artist spent three weeks painting a portrait of the mayor.
- The gallery features a striking portrait of the queen, captured in a rare moment of informal reflection rather than formal ceremony.

### 2. page orientation

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

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

### 3. detailed description

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: a detailed verbal or cinematic description or analysis of a person or subject.

- The book provides a moving portrait of life in a small village.
- The documentary offers a nuanced portrait of the composer, balancing his professional triumphs against his turbulent personal life.

### 4. vertical format

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

describing something that is taller than it is wide.

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

- The photographer took several portrait shots of the tall building.
- The designer opted for a portrait layout to emphasise the height of the fashion model in the advertisement.

## Examples

- The artist painted a beautiful portrait of the queen.
- Please print the document in portrait mode so the text fits correctly on the page.
- The gallery features a striking portrait that captures the subject's weariness through subtle shading around the eyes, contrasting sharply with the vibrant background.

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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.