I. (ˈ)pōr.|trā, (ˈ)pȯr.|-, (ˈ)pōə.|-, (ˈ)pȯ(ə).|- also pə(r).ˈt- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English portraien, from Middle French portraire, from Latin protrahere to draw forth, to reveal, expose, from pro forth, before + trahere to draw — more at for , draw
1. : to represent by drawing, painting, engraving : make a picture or image of : delineate , depict
portrays with sure but sparing brush strokes an unforgettable face
2.
a. : to describe in words : present a verbal picture of
a novelist who portrays life the way most of us see it — Bernice Matlowsky
b. : to play the role of : represent dramatically : enact
a star who unquestionably conveyed to audiences the very essence of the character he was portraying — J.F.Wharton
Synonyms: see represent
II. “, ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
archaic : portrayal , portrait