portray
/pɔːˈtɹeɪ̯/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: portrays · portraying · portrayed
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To paint or draw the likeness of.
Verb
Examples
I will portray a king on horseback.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To represent by an image or look.
Verb
Examples
Upon his browes was pourtraid vgly death,
And in his eies the furies of his heart,
That ſhine as Comets, menacing reueng,
And caſts a pale complexion on his cheeks.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “portray” mean?
To paint or draw the likeness of.
Is “portray” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.