portrait of reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "portrait of reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a representation or depiction of the actual state of things, often in a detailed or artistic manner. Example: "The documentary offers a compelling portrait of reality, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of everyday life in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Do the networks also shape a false portrait of reality?

The New York Times - Books

The brain, it seems, is a master at filling gaps and making do, of compiling a cohesive portrait of reality based on a flickering view.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Maps aren't faithful portraits of reality but subjective constructions," he said.

The New York Times

"Polls and surveys are blurry portraits of reality but without them we would be nearly blind," said Mark Gray, senior researcher for the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, which focuses on Catholic data.

Huffington Post

Our goal is that readers in the Bay Area, for the first time, will have a clear portrait of the reality and extent of the racial segregation in their communities.

University of California, Berkeley

A portrait of transgender reality star Caitlyn Jenner will be among a series of pictures of women taken by celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz to be exhibited in London in January.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The findings of the High Court in Love's case paint an unembellished but unmistakably grim portrait of the reality of the American carceral state, in which harsh sentences, poor access to medical care and excessive use of solitary confinement mean that U.S. authorities cannot reliably ensure the survival of vulnerable prisoners.

The Washington Post

The result is a portrait of truth and reality that will become ever more obscure.

Columbia University

The rapper paid a cousin of the late Andy Warhol upwards of $30,000 to paint a portrait of his beloved reality TV star fiancée, Kim Kardashian.

Independent

There is also a wonderful portrait of the lived reality under the competing and complementary tensions of anti-Semitism and nationalism, as well as the two equally consuming attitudes toward Soviet Marxism: passionate hatred and blind servitude.

The New York Times - Books

Claude Barras' first feature is a bittersweet, poetic stop-motion animation film — the first ever to appear in the LUX Film Prize Competition — a portrait of the harsh reality of an orphanage with delicate and gawky humour that was tenderly adapted from Gilles Paris' novel by Céline Sciamma (Girlhood, a 2014 LUX Film Prize finalist).

European Parliament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "portrait of reality" when you want to emphasize a detailed and somewhat subjective depiction, particularly when an artistic or interpretative element is involved.

Common error

While acceptable, "portrait of reality" can sound metaphorical or less direct in some professional contexts. Opt for clearer, more concise alternatives like "representation of the facts" or "accurate depiction" when aiming for objectivity.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor. The phrase "portrait of reality" serves to characterize something as a depiction or representation of what is real. As Ludwig indicates, it describes a representation or depiction of the actual state of things, often in a detailed or artistic manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "portrait of reality" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a representation or depiction of the actual state of things, often with artistic or interpretive qualities. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in both academic and news-related contexts, lending itself to discussions where subjective perspectives are key. Alternative phrases such as "representation of reality" or "depiction of reality" can be employed for clarity or to avoid overuse, particularly in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representation of reality

Replaces "portrait" with a more general term, focusing on the act of representing rather than the artistic aspect.

depiction of reality

Similar to "representation", but emphasizes the visual or descriptive aspect.

reflection of reality

Implies that reality is mirrored or shown indirectly.

image of reality

Uses "image" to suggest a mental or visual representation.

rendering of reality

Suggests a transformation or interpretation of reality in its representation.

account of reality

Focuses on a narrative or descriptive retelling of reality.

version of reality

Highlights that there can be multiple perspectives on what is real.

interpretation of reality

Emphasizes the subjective understanding and explanation of reality.

perspective on reality

Highlights a particular viewpoint or angle on reality.

vision of reality

Indicates a personal or imaginative view of reality.

FAQs

How can I use "portrait of reality" in a sentence?

You can use "portrait of reality" to describe a representation or depiction of the actual state of things, often in a detailed or artistic manner. For example: "The documentary offers a compelling "portrait of reality", showcasing the struggles and triumphs of everyday life in the city."

What phrases are similar to "portrait of reality"?

You can use alternatives like "representation of reality", "depiction of reality", or "image of reality" depending on the context.

Is "portrait of reality" a formal or informal expression?

"Portrait of reality" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to lean towards a more descriptive and interpretative tone, making it suitable for articles, essays, or discussions where a degree of subjectivity is expected.

When is it better to use "representation of reality" over "portrait of reality"?

Use "representation of reality" when you want to emphasize the act of representing something factually. Use "portrait of reality" when you wish to convey a more artistic, detailed, and potentially subjective depiction.