WordGarden.ioportrait
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɔːtreɪt/
US
- /ˈpɔrtrət/
Meanings
Noun
a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person
a written or spoken depiction that captures someone's character
Adjective
having a vertical layout that is taller than it is wide
Beyond the definition
A portrait is not just any picture; it is an attempt to capture the personality, spirit, or appearance of someone, or sometimes even something. Think beyond photographs. Portraits can be paintings, sculptures, drawings, or even written descriptions that show more than just what a person looks like. A good portrait tells you something about who they are.
Historically, portraits were often commissioned by wealthy families to show off their status and lineage. Today, we see portraits everywhere—in museums, magazines, and on social media. You might say a writer paints a "portrait" with words, vividly describing a character's traits and motivations. A portrait can be flattering, honest, or even critical, depending on the artist's intention.
The word "portrait" comes from the Old French portraire, meaning "to portray." At its core, a portrait is a representation of a person, and sometimes an animal or object, in which the face and expression are important. But it is more than just a visual record; it tries to capture something deeper: personality, mood, social status, or even inner thoughts.
Traditionally, portraits were created through painting, sculpture, or drawing. Think of the Mona Lisa—a famous portrait that has captivated viewers for centuries! These artistic portraits often aimed to idealize the subject, presenting them in their best light.
However, the meaning has broadened over time. A "verbal portrait" uses descriptive language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. For example: "The author painted a poignant portrait of a struggling artist." Photography also creates portraits, capturing brief moments and expressions. Portraits are not always about one person, either. You can have a "portrait of a city," showing its atmosphere and character, or even a "group portrait" with several people together.
In the modern digital world, "portrait" also refers to page orientation, where the document is taller than it is wide—the opposite of "landscape." Whether it's brushstrokes on canvas, words on a page, or light captured through a lens, a portrait strives to tell a story and reveal the essence of its subject—making it more than just an image, but a window into a life or world.
Examples
- 1
Museum display
The museum has a portrait of the queen above the stairs.
- 2
Painted likeness
She painted a portrait of her father from an old photograph.
- 3
Family photo
We took a family portrait before everyone left.
- 4
Self-portrait
His latest self-portrait shows him sitting by the window.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Written description
The article gives a warm portrait of the town and its people.
- Patterna portrait of + person/place
a description that helps you imagine them
- 6
Report description
The report paints a worrying portrait of life in the city after the floods.
- Patternpaint a portrait of + subject
describe it in a particular way
- 7
Phone orientation
Turn your phone sideways; this video does not work well in portrait mode.
- Phraseportrait mode
a tall, vertical screen or camera position
- 8
Page orientation
Please print the form in portrait, not landscape.
- Phrasein portrait
with the page taller than it is wide
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- headshot
- profile
- caricature
Contrast
- landscape
- still life
Used with (collocations)
- paint a portrait
- take a portrait
- portrait photograph
- family portrait
Word family
Explore
- figurative art
- composition
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- portraitnoun
Forms
- portraitspluralnoun