Portraying Meaning in English
word · lemma: portray
Definition
Showing or describing someone or something in a particular way, often through art, acting, or writing.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in artistic and formal contexts, especially about acting ('portraying a character') or visual arts ('portraying landscapes'). Common collocations: 'portraying a role,' 'portraying someone as...'. Sometimes confused with 'displaying' or 'depicting', but 'portraying' focuses more on how something is represented, not just shown.
Example Sentences
She is portraying a queen in the school play.
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The artist is portraying the city’s old streets in his painting.
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The movie is portraying life during the war.
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He does a great job portraying complex emotions on screen.
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I like how the book is portraying teenagers—realistic and honest.
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News outlets are often criticized for portraying events in a biased way.
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