portray

USAGE SUMMARY

The word portray is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe making something visual or tangible. For example, you could say, "The artist portrayed a beautiful mountain landscape with her painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Tories sought to portray the result as a blow to Labour, which held the seat until 2010 on different boundaries.

The Guardian

Iranian media affiliated to the Islamic regime have been accused of using library images from different times and locations in Britain and other parts of the world to portray the UK riots as "the uprising of the oppressed against the British monarchy".

The Guardian

Yet commercially driven online websites, marketed to a youthful female readership, portray women as miserable victims.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has been a director of Amnesty International for many, many years … You are trying to portray this man who has been a success and made some money as being stereotypical of the establishment when he is not stereotypical of the establishment.

The Guardian

But it is wrong to portray Charles as a socialist.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm constantly looking round for actors who can convincingly portray working-class men," said McGovern.

The Guardian

Fine Gael has tried to portray Labour as a tax and spend party, and the former's economic spokesman, Michael Noonan, has accused the trade unions of having too much "influence and power" over government policies for the last decade.

The Guardian

They said he would portray himself as the "unity candidate" and seek to unite the rural and urban wings of the party.

The Guardian

Speaking in 2009, Yablokov, a former Russian prosecutor, said the legal case would have been unthinkable in the past, but had become depressingly possible in light of recent Kremlin moves to rehabilitate Stalin and to portray him as an efficient leader.

The Guardian

Each day, the government-linked newspapers portray Anwar as the most serious national threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

This week, when Eddie Redmayne won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, he became the latest in a long line of non-disabled actors to portray disabled characters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "portray", consider the nuances of the subject you are describing. Ensure your portrayal is accurate and avoids harmful stereotypes. Use it to add depth to your narrative or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "portray" in a way that unfairly generalizes a group or individual. Ensure your depiction is nuanced and considers individual differences, preventing misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "portray" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being depicted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of representing someone or something visually or verbally. The examples show the word used in many forms, such as portraying, portrayed and portrays.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Opinion

22%

Film

5%

Less common in

Sport

2%

TV & Radio

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "portray" is a versatile transitive verb used to describe the act of depicting or representing something or someone, often with a specific intention or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently employed in news, media, and opinion pieces to shape perceptions and convey interpretations, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While synonyms like "depict" and "represent" offer alternative expressions, "portray" carries a nuance of intentional representation. Remember to use it thoughtfully, ensuring accurate and fair depictions to avoid harmful generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depict

Focuses more on visual representation or description.

represent

Implies standing in for or symbolizing something else.

illustrate

Emphasizes clarifying or making something understandable through examples or visuals.

describe

Centers on giving an account of something with words.

characterize

Highlights identifying the qualities or traits of something or someone.

render

Suggests a transformation or interpretation in the depiction.

present

Emphasizes showing or displaying something to an audience.

symbolize

Focuses on representing abstract ideas or qualities.

image

This emphasizes the creation of a mental picture.

delineate

This focuses on describing or portraying something precisely.

FAQs

How can I use "portray" in a sentence?

You can use "portray" to describe how someone or something is depicted, such as "The movie "portrayed" the main character as a hero".

What are some alternatives to "portray"?

Alternatives to "portray" include "depict", "represent", "illustrate", and "describe", each offering subtle differences in meaning.

How does "portray" differ from "describe"?

"Portray" often implies a more vivid or artistic representation, while "describe" is a more straightforward account. You might "describe" a scene in detail, but "portray" its emotional impact.

Is it correct to use "portray" when discussing abstract concepts?

Yes, "portray" can be used for abstract concepts, suggesting how they are presented or understood. For example, "The article "portrayed" the economic crisis as a result of globalization".