portray

Compared meaning: to show or represent something in pictures or words (verb).

比较义项：描绘、描写（用图画或文字表现出来）（动词）。

• depict

  Neutral and often visual: used for paintings, scenes, or stories that show something factually, without implying interpretation or judgment about the subject.

  较为中性，常用于视觉方面：用于描绘绘画、场景或故事中客观呈现的事物，不带解释或评价色彩。

  The mural depicts farmers working in the fields at harvest time.

  这幅壁画描绘了农民在收获时节在田间劳作的情景。

• portray 本词

  Often implies presenting someone or something in a particular, sometimes subjective, way; common with 'as' and in acting, film, or literature about characters.

  常暗示以某种特定的、有时带主观色彩的方式来表现某人或某事；常与“as”连用，也常用于表演、电影或文学中对人物形象的塑造。

  The novel portrays the general as a cruel but brilliant leader.

  这部小说把这位将军描绘成一个残忍却才华横溢的领袖。

Depict and portray both mean to show something in pictures or words. Depict is neutral, often about paintings, scenes, or stories, without judgment. Portray often shows a person or thing in a particular, sometimes subjective way, common with 'as' and in acting, film, or literature.

两词都表示用图画、文字或表演来表现某事物，但 portray 更常用于表现人物的形象或特质，尤其常与“as”连用表示“把……描绘成……”，也常用于电影、戏剧中演员饰演角色；depict 更中性，多用于绘画、场景或故事的客观描绘，不强调评价或立场。