# portray

/pɔɹˈtɹeɪ/ (US) · /pɔːtɹˈeɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/portray
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to represent in art

verb · CEFR B2

to show someone or something in a painting, drawing, or photograph.

For teachers: to depict a subject in a visual medium such as painting or photography.

- The artist chose to portray the king sitting on a simple wooden chair.
- The portraitist sought to portray the subject not as a distant monarch, but as a weary man burdened by the weight of his responsibilities.

Usage: Takes a direct object representing the person or thing being shown.

### 2. to describe in words

verb · CEFR B2

to describe someone or something in a book or speech to create a specific image.

For teachers: to represent or characterize someone or something in a literary or verbal account.

- The newspaper article portrayed the local hero as a very humble person.
- Critics argued that the biography portrayed the inventor in an unfairly negative light, ignoring his significant philanthropic contributions.

Usage: Often used with 'as' to specify the quality or role being described.

### 3. to play a role

verb · CEFR B2

to act as a character in a play or a movie.

For teachers: to represent a character or personage in a dramatic production or cinematic work.

- She will portray the lead character in the new historical drama.
- The actor was praised for his ability to portray the complex emotions of a man lost in a city he no longer recognized.

Usage: The object is typically the name of the character or historical figure being played.

## Examples

- The actor portrays a famous scientist in the new movie.
- The media often portrays the CEO as a cold leader, but his employees say he is actually very kind.
- In her latest biography, the author attempts to portray the queen not as a distant monarch, but as a vulnerable woman struggling with the weight of her responsibilities.

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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.