Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows
or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps
Verb: portray  por'trey or pu(r)'trey
  1. Describe in words
    "The book portrays the actor as a selfish person"
     
  2. Make a portrait of
    "Goya wanted to portray his mistress, the Duchess of Alba";
    - depict, limn
     
  3. Represent abstractly, for example in a painting, drawing, or sculpture
    "The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting";
    - present
     
  4. (performing arts) assume or act the character of
    "The actor portrays an elderly, lonely man";
    - impersonate

Derived forms: portraying, portrays, portrayed

Type of: act, interpret, play, represent