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

Rust depicts the manhunt for grandfather and grandson amidst a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tumbleweed dirt towns.

From BBC

The Department of Education has long been a focal point for Trump’s war on “wokeness,” the president-elect and his allies depicting schools as a political battleground hijacked by the left.

From Salon

Ross’ 2018 Oscar-nominated documentary, “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” depicted the lives of Black people in a disenfranchised Alabama community with powerful, poetic imagery that demanded your full attention.

From Los Angeles Times

Though the events it depicts took place more than a half-century ago, Sarsgaard anticipates that some moviegoers will bring their own feelings about the current situation in the Middle East to the theater.

From Los Angeles Times

The statue sits in front of a new mural that depicts highlights from the England captain's career, including his debut goal against Lithuania in 2015.

From BBC

Related Words

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