Depict

/dɪˈpɪkt/

verbIntermediateCommonArts

Definitions

1

To show or represent something in a drawing, painting, or other visual medium; to portray or describe something in words.

/dɪˈpɪkt/

verbneutralIntermediate
Arts

To represent or show something in a picture, painting, or other form.

The painting vividly depicts the chaos of the battlefield.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a picture or telling a story. To depict means to show or describe something in that way. For example, the artist depicted a sunny day. You could depict a funny moment by telling a story

👶 For kids: To show something in a picture or story, like drawing a picture of your pet.

More Examples

2

The author skillfully depicted the character's inner turmoil.

3

The movie depicts the historical events accurately.

How It's Used

Art

"The artist depicted a serene landscape."

Literature

"The novel depicts the struggles of a young immigrant."

Film/Television

"The documentary depicted the life of a famous musician."

Idioms & expressions

depict reality

To represent things as they actually are.

"The news program aims to depict reality to its audience."

From Latin *depingere* (to paint, portray), from *de-* (down, away) + *pingere* (to paint). Evolved through French and entered English.

Used since the 16th century, initially primarily in the context of visual arts and later extended to include written descriptions.

Memory tip

Think of a *picture* - you *depict* something on a canvas.

depectdepicdepikt

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written