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

His new book, “Feed the Planet,” with text by Joel K. Bourne Jr., features the voluminous results: some 300 photos, most of them aerial, depicting a staggering variety of food production across 40 countries.

From New York Times

Unified is middling, even as depicted by a state accountability system that rarely shows school systems in a harsh light.

From Los Angeles Times

The score roils with melodic drama in the film’s prologue, which vibrantly depicts a tense heist to steal the titular piano under the cover of darkness and a Fourth of July fireworks show in Mississippi.

From Los Angeles Times

Made of mirror behind cast glass, each reflective face will depict a unique “pool of tears of joy and grief” that defies gravity.

From Los Angeles Times

It depicts a period of conflict in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century known as the Troubles, which lasted almost 30 years and cost the lives of more than 3,500 people.

From BBC

Related Words

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