portrait
|por-trayt|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈpɔrtrət/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɔːtrət/
depiction of a person
Etymology
Etymology Information
'portrait' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'portraire,' where 'por-' meant 'forth' and 'traire' meant 'to draw.'
Historical Evolution
'portraire' transformed into the English word 'portraiture,' and eventually became the modern English word 'portrait.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to draw forth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a depiction of a person.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders.
The artist painted a beautiful portrait of the queen.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/23 05:35