portrait Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a word picture of a person's appearance and character
portrayal; portraiture.
noun any likeness of a person, in any medium
portrayal.
- the photographer made excellent portraits

F., originally p. p. of portraire to portray. See Portray.

The likeness of a person, painted, drawn, or engraved; commonly, a representation of the human face painted from real life.
In portraits, the grace, and, we may add, the likeness, consists more in the general air than in the exact similitude of every feature. Sir J. Reynolds.
✍ The meaning of the word is sometimes extended so as to include a photographic likeness.
Hence, any graphic or vivid delineation or description of a person; as, a portrait in words.