# portrayal

/pɔɹˈtɹeɪəɫ/ (US) · /pɔːtɹˈeɪəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. artistic representation

noun · CEFR B2

the way an actor plays a character or how a person is shown in a work of art.

For teachers: the depiction of a person or character in a dramatic or artistic work, focusing on the quality or style of the performance or image.

- The actor's portrayal of the king was very powerful and moving.
- Critics praised her nuanced portrayal of the historical figure, noting that she captured the subtle contradictions of his personality with remarkable precision.

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

### 2. description or account

noun · CEFR B2

the way something is described in words, especially in a news report or book.

For teachers: a verbal or written description that presents a particular view or interpretation of a situation or person.

- The newspaper's portrayal of the protest was quite different from what I saw.
- The documentary was criticised for its biased portrayal of the local community, which many residents felt relied on outdated and harmful stereotypes.

Usage: Frequently used in discussions about media bias or literary analysis.

## Examples

- The film offers a realistic portrayal of daily life.
- Critics praised the actor's nuanced portrayal of the troubled hero.
- Her memoir provides a candid portrayal of the political climate during the election year.

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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.