A portrait is a painting, photograph, drawing, or other artistic depiction of a person — or, less often, of a group of people.
Example: "She's commissioned an artist to paint her portrait."
The term is commonly used to refer to artworks that aim to capture a person’s appearance, character, or mood. In modern contexts, it can also describe digital or photographic representations.
Example: "The portrait conveyed not only his features but also his quiet strength."
Beyond literal depictions, "portrait" can be applied metaphorically to describe detailed written or verbal descriptions of individuals, societies, or situations.
Example: "The book offers a vivid portrait of life in the 19th century."
Author’s summary:
A portrait is an artistic or descriptive representation of a person, focusing on appearance or character, often used literally or metaphorically to convey identity or depth.