portray
Definitions
To depict someone or something in a picture or piece of writing
描绘，描写（用画或文字）
To represent or describe someone in a particular way
把……刻画成，把……描述为
To play a character in a film or play
扮演（角色）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Old French portraire: por- (a form of pro-, 'forth') + traire ('to draw,' from trahere). To portray is literally to 'draw forth' an image of someone — onto canvas, onto the page, or onto the screen as an actor.
Root tra still carries 109 more wordsWhy It Means This
portray hides trahere behind a French disguise. The 'tray' in portray is the same draw that gives us drawing itself — por- ('forth') + traire ('draw'). To portray someone is to draw them forth so others can see them, whether with a brush, with words, or as an actor stepping into a role. portrait is its noun.
Common Collocations
- 1.portray as把……刻画成
- 2.accurately portray准确描绘
- 3.portray a character扮演角色
- 4.portray in a positive light以正面形象描绘
Example Sentences
- 1.
The novel portrays life in a small fishing village.
- 2.
The media often portrays him as a villain.
- 3.
She portrayed the queen in the award-winning film.