depict

[ dih-pikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to represent by or as if by painting or other visual image; portray; delineate.

   Synonyms: limn, paint, draw, reproduce

2. to represent or characterize in words; describe.

depict

/ dɪˈpɪkt /

verb

1. to represent by or as by drawing, sculpture, painting, etc; delineate; portray
2. to represent in words; describe

Derived Forms

• deˈpictive, adjective
• deˈpicter, noun
• deˈpiction, noun

Other Words From

• de·pict·er de·pic·tor noun
• de·pic·tion noun
• de·pic·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of depict¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin dēpictus (past participle of dēpingere ), equivalent to dē- de- + pic- past participle stem of pingere “to paint” ( paint ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of depict¹

C17: from Latin dēpingere, from pingere to paint

Synonym Study

Depict, portray, sketch imply a representation of an object or scene by colors or lines, or by words. Depict emphasizes vividness of detail: to depict the confusion of departure. Portray emphasizes faithful representation: We could not portray the anguish of the exiles. Sketch suggests the drawing of the outlines of the most prominent features or details, often in a preparatory way: to sketch the plans for a community development.

Example Sentences

Last week, U.S. intelligence officials announced that a video purporting to depict voter fraud in Georgia is fake and the work of “Russian influence actors.”

From Los Angeles Times

The promoters generally depict their products as dependable and their output as trustworthy.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this month, a new trailer was released for A Complete Unknown which will see the star depict Bob Dylan.

From BBC

With Sofia, though, LeFranc demonstrates an understanding of an underlying frustration with how these stories depict female characters and a misogynistic culture's shrunken regard for female power.

From Salon

“The goal was to depict her as a promiscuous woman, deeply in debt, who was trying to shake down Mr. O’Reilly,” the Times reported.

From Slate

Related Words

• characterize
• detail
• illustrate
• interpret
• paint
• portray
• represent
• reproduce
• sketch