動詞 portray:

1. portray in words
2. make a portrait of
   同義詞：depict, limn
3. assume or act the character of
   同義詞：impersonate
4. represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, or verbally
   同義詞：present

1. The picture portrays a beautiful sunset.
   這幅畫描繪了落日美景。
2. The book portrays the life of an actor.
   這本書描述了一個演員的一生。

por.tray

v.tr.（及物動詞）
por.trayed,por.tray.ing,por.trays
To depict or represent pictorially; make a picture of.
描繪，描畫：用圖畫來描繪或表現；給…做畫
To depict or describe in words.
用語言描繪或描述
To represent dramatically, as on the stage.See Synonyms at represent
飾演：戲劇性地表現，如在舞臺上參見 represent

來源：
Middle English portraien
中古英語 portraien
from Old French portraire
源自 古法語 portraire
por- [forth] from Latin prô- [forth] * see pro-
por- [向前] 源自 拉丁語 prô- [向前] *參見 pro-
traire [to draw] from Latin trahere [to drag]
traire [畫] 源自 拉丁語 trahere [拖]

【引伸】
portray.able
adj.（形容詞）
portray.er
n.（名詞）