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

Other Word Forms

• depictive adjective
• depicter noun
• depiction noun
• depictor noun

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

The composition’s frantic strings and minor chords cleverly emphasize the brilliance of Oliphant’s cartoons depicting the circus of the politically obscene.

From Salon

“The Paper” refuses to do that, choosing instead to depict the laughable reality of newsrooms like The Truth Teller while championing the men and women doggedly working to restore its glory.

From Salon

In his former life, DePree was an actor, writer, producer and director whose early attempts to make it big in Hollywood were depicted in low-budget documentary Rhinoskin: The Making of a Movie Star.

From BBC

A signed LS Lowry print showing a town's now-vanished level crossing has sold at auction just a few miles away from the scene it depicts.

From BBC

In the run-up to the anniversary, several films have been released depicting this struggle, some of which have been box office hits.

From BBC

Related Words

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