portrayal

Everyday

1. The way someone or something is shown or described in a picture, film, play or book: «a funny portrayal of a teacher». tree →
2. An actor's performance of a character: «his portrayal of the king». tree →
3. The act of describing something in a certain way, true or unfair. tree →

In the lessons

In English and media lessons we judge a «portrayal»: is it fair, true, kind or one-sided? In everyday life reviews talk about an actor's portrayal. Phrases: «the portrayal of», «a realistic portrayal», «an unfair portrayal», «a moving portrayal».

Examples

• Her portrayal of the Wicked Witch scared the little ones. tree →
• The book gives a true portrayal of life in a coal-mining town. tree →
• Some people think the film's portrayal of farmers is unfair. tree →
• We compared two portrayals of Robin Hood. tree →
• The painting is a portrayal of the queen as a young girl. tree →
• His portrayal of a nervous pupil made us laugh. tree →
• Old cartoons often had hurtful portrayals of other peoples. tree →

Note

Countable: a portrayal, portrayals. Verb: portray (portray, portrays, portrayed). Do not confuse with «portrait», which is a picture of a person; a portrayal can be in words, film or acting too.