depiction

Everyday

1. A depiction is a picture, description or performance that shows what someone or something is like. tree →
2. Depiction is the act of showing something in art or words. tree →

In the lessons

In art and history lessons, we study depictions of kings, battles and everyday life in paintings, tapestries and books, and ask whether they are fair or true. In English lessons, a depiction of a character is how the author describes them. Common phrases: «a depiction of», «an accurate depiction», «a realistic depiction», «the depiction of women».

Examples

• The Bayeux Tapestry is a depiction of the Battle of Hastings. tree →
• This painting is a depiction of a busy market. tree →
• The film's depiction of dinosaurs was very realistic. tree →
• Is this an accurate depiction of life in Victorian times? tree →
• The author's depiction of the giant is funny and kind. tree →
• Early depictions of the Earth show it with sea monsters. tree →
• We compared two depictions of the same queen. tree →

Note

Plural: depictions. The verb is «depict» (to show or describe). A depiction is not always true — always ask who made it and why.