The difference between Describe and Portray
When used as verbs, describe means to represent in words, whereas portray means to paint or draw the likeness of.
check bellow for the other definitions of Describe and Portray
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Describe as a verb (transitive):
To represent in words.
Examples:
"The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant."
"The geographer describes countries and cities."
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Describe as a verb (transitive):
To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.
Examples:
"to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle"
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Describe as a verb (transitive, mathematics):
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
Examples:
"The function describes a very complex surface."
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Describe as a verb (transitive, taxonomy):
To introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.
Examples:
"The fungus was first described by a botanist."
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Describe as a verb (obsolete):
To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
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Portray as a verb:
To paint or draw the likeness of.
Examples:
"I will portray a king on horseback."
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Portray as a verb (figuratively):
To describe in words; to convey.
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Portray as a verb:
To play a role; to depict a character, person, situation, or event.
Examples:
"For my next movie, I will be portraying Shakespeare."
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Portray as a verb (obsolete):
To adorn.