a precise portrait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precise portrait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a detailed and accurate representation of a person, situation, or concept. Example: "The artist created a precise portrait of the historical figure, capturing every detail of their expression and attire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Keegan's smoothly arrogant Chad is a precise portrait of 21st-century entitlement, junior class.

The New York Times

Their occasionally stormy relationship is a precise portrait of young lovers struggling to adapt to the more relaxed rules of the sexual revolution.

The New York Times

And Mr. Birney is excellent as ever, turning in a precise portrait of a middle-aged man trying to mask his flailing ego under a bright veneer of competence and good cheer.

The New York Times

Without resort to caricature, Garrone's latterday Shock Treatment paints a precise portrait of modern madness in which the world contracts from the sweeping cinematic vistas of the opening shot to the vacuum-sealed confinements of the televisual malaise.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Exhibition," the third feature by British director Joanna Hogg, is an unnervingly precise portrait of an artist couple preparing to vacate their sleek modernist home — a dissection of a marriage in midlife, of the space between two people.

Los Angeles Times

The Neapolitan novels are as much a story of class as they are of gender; in the second and third volumes, Ferrante offers a vividly precise portrait of the lingering (irrational) feelings of inadequacy that haunts those who start with nothing.

The Guardian - Books

A few months ago, a different and more demographically precise portrait of white culture arrived, bearing a fulsome blurb ("Revelatory!") from Lander himself.

The New Yorker

"She wrote a very angry and very precise portrait of what she considered the male to be: something between a human and an ape; an unresponsive blob only concerned with physical sensation and without the capacity for empathy or self-knowledge or intimacy, and at the same time full of hatred and jealously and shame and guilt.

Independent

Martin's medical school, the University of Winnemac, "a Ford Motor Factory" where "buildings are measured by the mile," is a precise pen portrait of the University of Michigan.

The New York Times - Books

But "The Future" is much more than a precise, deadpan portrait of a sensibility likely to be recognizable to the Sophies and the Jasons in the audience (or to anyone who has run into them at the local coffee shop, organic bakery or artisanal ice cream truck).

The New York Times

A precise molecular portrait of adult heart formation was drawn through whole genome analysis of the temporal dynamics of heart-specific gene expression [ 16].

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a precise portrait" with specific details or examples that demonstrate the accuracy and detail of the portrayal. For example, "The book offers a precise portrait of Victorian society, detailing the class structure and social customs."

Common error

Avoid using "a precise portrait" when the representation is subjective or lacks concrete evidence. Overstating accuracy can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise portrait" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "precise" modifies the noun "portrait". It typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a verb or preposition, describing the nature or quality of the portrait being discussed. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precise portrait" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something depicted with great accuracy and detail. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of overstating the accuracy of the representation. Alternatives such as "an accurate depiction" or "a detailed representation" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase is generally neutral to formal in register and aims to emphasize thoroughness and exactness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an accurate depiction

Replaces "precise" with "accurate", focusing on the correctness and truthfulness of the portrayal.

an exact portrayal

Stresses the complete accuracy and lack of deviation from the original.

a detailed representation

Emphasizes the level of detail in the portrayal, rather than its exactness.

a true reflection

Suggests that the portrayal is honest and mirrors the reality of the subject.

a meticulous depiction

Highlights the care and thoroughness involved in creating the representation.

a faithful likeness

Highlights the similarity to the original subject, particularly in visual contexts.

a nuanced portrayal

Suggests a subtle and sophisticated understanding is revealed in the representation.

a sharp characterization

Applies specifically to character portrayals, focusing on the incisiveness and clarity.

a defined picture

Implies that the representation provides a clear and well-structured understanding.

a clear image

Focuses on the clarity and comprehensibility of the representation.

FAQs

How can I use "a precise portrait" in a sentence?

"A precise portrait" can be used to describe something that is depicted in a very accurate and detailed manner. For example, "The author paints "a precise portrait" of the protagonist's inner turmoil."

What are some alternatives to "a precise portrait"?

Some alternatives include "an accurate depiction", "a detailed representation", or "a faithful likeness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a precise portrait" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a precise portrait" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing analyses, characterizations, or representations that are intended to be accurate and thorough.

What's the difference between "a precise portrait" and "an impressionistic portrait"?

"A precise portrait" emphasizes accuracy and detail, while "an impressionistic portrait" focuses on capturing a subjective feeling or impression. The former aims for exactness, while the latter prioritizes artistic interpretation.