portray

verb

To play a role; to depict a character, person, situation, or event.

(figuratively) To describe in words; to convey.

(figuratively) To represent by an image or look.

To paint or draw the likeness of.

(obsolete) To adorn.

Roots

trahere-tray · Latin · to draw

Synonyms for portray

depictv limnv impersonatev picturizev representv describev characterizev symbolizev interpretv evokev

Synonyms & related words for portray

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of portray — including depict, limn, impersonate, picturize, represent, describe. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to portray

Explore words related to portray — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include depicture, portrayal, depiction, typify, illustrate, personated, personify, exemplify. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for portray

Common synonyms for portray include depict, limn, impersonate, picturize, represent, describe, characterize, symbolize — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does portray come from?

The word portray breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root -tray, from Latin trahere (“to draw”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.