portray

Portray is a verb meaning to represent someone or something in a particular way, especially through art, writing, film, or performance. It can refer to creating a likeness of a subject or to presenting a character’s qualities, motives, or feelings in a narrative or visual medium.

Etymology: The term derives from Old French portraire, meaning to draw or depict, and was adopted into English in the early modern period.

In visual arts, an artist may portray a subject by capturing features, expression, form, and mood. In literature and cinema, to portray a character means to convey personality through actions, dialogue, and, in the case of film or theater, an actor’s performance. In journalism or public discourse, the word can describe presenting a subject in a particular light or interpretation.

Portray versus depict: Portray often implies interpretation and emphasis on salient aspects of a subject, whereas depict can be more descriptive or literal. The nuance is subtle and context-dependent.

The noun form is portrayal, the act of portraying. Related terms include portrait, meaning a painting or photograph of a person.