portray

UK /pɔːˈtɹeɪ/ US /pɔɹˈtɹeɪ/

verb 5

Definitions

verb

To paint or draw the likeness of.

I will portray a king on horseback.

To represent by an image or look.

Upon his browes was pourtraid vgly death, And in his eies the furies of his heart, That ſhine as Comets, menacing reueng, And caſts a pale complexion on his cheeks.

To describe in words; to convey.

To play a role; to depict a character, person, situation, or event.

For my next movie, I will be portraying Shakespeare.

To adorn.

Collocations

(verb.)

ADV

accurately

clearly

dramatically, graphically, vividly

The documentary dramatically portrays how climate change is affecting polar bears in their natural habitat.

VERB + PORTRAY

attempt to, try to

PREP

The news report portrayed the young activist as a dangerous criminal.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

verb — make a portrait of

verb — represent abstractly, for example in a painting, drawing, or

present

verb — assume or act the character of

impersonate

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

I will portray a king on horseback.

Wiktionary

Upon his browes was pourtraid vgly death, And in his eies the furies of his heart, That ſhine as Comets, menacing reueng, And caſts a pale complexion on his cheeks.

Wiktionary

For my next movie, I will be portraying Shakespeare.

Wiktionary

In this film they both portray notorious gang leaders.

Tatoeba · #3661106

I still can't work out what the artist intended to portray.

Tatoeba · #3661112

Unfortunately, the Internet gives extremists and intolerants of all persuasions an equal opportunity to portray wrongful and dangerous views.

Tatoeba · #5459823

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, portray is marked as figuratively, obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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