portray

To describe someone or something in words so others form a particular picture of them.

• The novel portrays life in a small village.
• The report portrayed him as dishonest.
• Journalists have portrayed the situation in very different ways.

How to use it: portray someone/something as something (The article portrayed her as a fearless leader.)

Similar words: describe, depict, represent

Common phrases: portray someone as something, portray everyday life, portray a situation

To act as a particular person or character in a film, play, or television programme.

• She portrays a doctor in the series.
• He portrayed the king in a school play.
• Several actors have portrayed this famous detective.

Similar words: play, depict

Common phrases: portray a character, portray a king, portray someone onstage

To show someone or something in a painting or drawing.

• The painting portrays a young woman.
• He portrayed the mountains in bright colours.
• This drawing portrays the town as it once looked.

How to use it: portray someone/something in something (The artist portrayed the village in watercolours.)

Similar words: depict, paint, draw

Common phrases: portray someone, portray a scene, portray in oils

To decorate a surface with pictures.

• The artists portrayed the hall's walls.
• They portrayed the ceiling with pictures of stars.
• The chapel was richly portrayed with religious images.

How to use it: portray something with something (They portrayed the walls with pictures of birds.)

Similar words: decorate, ornament

Common phrases: portray a wall, portray with pictures