Word
depict
Meanings
To represent someone or something in a picture, film, or other visual form.
To describe someone or something in writing or speech in a way that creates a clear image.
Definition
To depict something is to represent it in words or images so people can clearly see or imagine it.
To depict means to show or describe someone or something in a way that gives a clear picture of what it is like. It is often used for art, films, and writing, but it can also refer to charts or reports. The focus is on how something is presented, not whether it is true or accurate.
Examples
- The documentary depicts life in the Arctic with striking, unhurried footage.
- I tried to depict the atmosphere of the meeting, but my summary sounded flatter than it felt.
- Her latest novel depicts a family under pressure without turning any character into a caricature.
- They depict the historical figure as deeply pragmatic, rather than purely heroic.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "depict" with "describe" and use it for simple factual statements instead of for representation or portrayal.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.