Etymology Map
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Portray

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to depict in a work of art

Where does the word "portray" come from? It comes from Latin protrahere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
protrahere
Latin · ancient
"to draw forth"
'pro-', forth, plus 'trahere', to draw
2
Stage 2 of 3
portraire
Old French · medieval
"to draw, depict"
also gave 'portrait'
3
Stage 3 of 3
portray
English · 1300s
"to depict"
actors 'portray' roles from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Portray’s story begins in Latin: protrahere meant “to draw forth.” 'pro-', forth, plus 'trahere', to draw. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as portraire. Also gave 'portrait'. It reached English by 1300s as portray. Actors 'portray' roles from the 1900s. Today, portray means to depict in a work of art.