depiction

[ dih-pik-shuhn ]

noun

1. representation in image form, as in a painting or illustration:

   Picasso's painting Guernica is an accurate depiction of the horrors of war.

2. representation or characterization in words:

   Mark Twain's letters are a clear depiction of his life and times.

3. an act or instance of depicting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of depiction¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin dēpictiōn-, stem of dēpictiō “portrayal,” equivalent to dēpict(us), past participle of dēpingere “to portray” + -iō -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

The depiction of the infant Jesus is part of the Southern California landscape and especially venerated by both Mexican Americans and Filipinos.

From Los Angeles Times

In the context of this scene and their relationship, Caitlyn's act of violence reads more as an attempted depiction of domestic assault than standard action TV show fare.

From Salon

So forgive me if I clocked but didn’t appreciate the irony of Reed’s “I did this because you let me” lecture in “Heretic,” or its depiction of women in cages.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk reposted an artist’s depiction in which he, muscle-bound and stripped to the waist, resembles the Hulk carrying an American flag.

From Los Angeles Times

In Zehme’s depiction, Carson’s public persona was a deception, a sleight of hand befitting a man who started as a magician and never lost his love for it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drawing
• illustration
• image
• likeness
• picture
• portrayal
• representation
• sketch