Meaning & Definition of Portray in English

1. Portray in words

• "The book portrays the actor as a selfish person"

2. Make a portrait of

• "Goya wanted to portray his mistress, the duchess of alba"

3. Assume or act the character of

• "She impersonates madonna"

• "The actor portrays an elderly, lonely man"

4. Represent abstractly, for example in a painting, drawing, or sculpture

• "The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting"