1
Core action
Represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
Example
The mural depicts workers rebuilding the city.
depict
/dɪˈpɪkt/ · dih-PIKTverb
Represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
Use depict to express this relationship precisely: represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
What depict Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The novel depicts the voyage from several perspectives.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Maps can depict political claims as well as geography.
Use depict Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The mural depicts workers rebuilding the city.
The novel depicts the voyage from several perspectives.
Maps can depict political claims as well as geography.
Precision Matters
Depict overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
depict
vs.Means represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
interpret
Means explain, understand, or assign meaning or significance to information, language, evidence, or events.
depict
vs.Means represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
allude
Means refer to someone or something indirectly rather than naming or explaining it explicitly.
depict
vs.Means represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
obfuscate
Means make an idea, issue, or statement unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand.
depict
vs.Means represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
evoke
Means bring a feeling, memory, image, or response to mind.
Test depict in Context
The diagram visually represents the process.
1
The diagram uses arrows to ___ the movement of water through the system.