Depict — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈpikt/ de·pict

Meaning & Definition of Depict

Depict (verb)

  1. to represent by or as if by a picture
  2. describe

Depict (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give a representation or account of in words

    "this letter from an eyewitness depicts the battle in greater detail than any other account"

    similar: delineate, describe, draw, image, limn, paint, picture, portray, render, set out, sketch
    related: characterize, define, label, qualify, represent, demonstrate, illustrate, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, tell, display, exhibit, show, hint, suggest, draft, outline, silhouette, trace, vignette, summarize, sum up, touch off, redescribe, reimage
    near: color, distort, falsify, garble, misdescribe, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp

  2. to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group

    "the report depicted him as a reliable assistant and an employee who could be entrusted with any task"

    similar: character, characterize, define, describe, portray, represent
    related: categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type, color, identify, indicate, name, specify, distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

  3. to present a picture of

    "the painting depicts a pastoral landscape on a summer day"

    similar: image, picture, portray, represent
    related: delineate, describe, document, render, outline, silhouette, sketch, illustrate, show, diagram, caricature

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Depict

The most common words with a similar meaning to Depict:

delineate, describe, draw, image, limn, paint, picture, portray, render, set out, sketch, character, characterize, define, represent

Related Words for Depict

label, qualify, demonstrate, illustrate, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, tell, display, exhibit, show, hint, suggest, draft, outline, silhouette, trace, vignette, summarize, sum up, touch off, redescribe, reimage, categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type

Near Antonyms of Depict

color, distort, falsify, garble, misdescribe, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp

Word Forms of Depict

Inflections: depicted, depicting, depicts

Derived words: depicter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Depict

Latin depictus, past participle of depingere, from de- + pingere to paint paint

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Depict

Frequently Asked Questions about Depict

What does "Depict" mean?

"Depict" means to represent by or as if by a picture. As a verb, it is defined as: to represent by or as if by a picture. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Depict"?

Other words for "Depict" include delineate, describe, draw, image, limn, paint, picture and portray. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Depict" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Depict"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Depict". Common alternatives include delineate, describe, draw, image, limn, paint, picture, portray, render and set out.

How do you use "Depict" in a sentence?

Examples of "Depict" in a sentence: "this letter from an eyewitness depicts the battle in greater detail than any other account"; "the report depicted him as a reliable assistant and an employee who could be entrusted with any task"; "the painting depicts a pastoral landscape on a summer day".

Is "Depict" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Depict" is a verb.

Is "Depict" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Depict" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Depict"?

"Depict" is pronounced /di-ˈpikt/ and divided into syllables as de·pict.

What is the origin of the word "Depict"?

"Depict" comes from Latin depictus, past participle of depingere, from de- + pingere to paint paint. First known use: 15th century.