depiction
UK: dɪˈpɪkʃən | US: dɪˈpɪkʃən
n. the act of depicting or representing something visually or verbally
n. a visual or verbal representation of something
The word "depiction" originates from the Latin depictio, derived from depingere ("to paint down" or "portray"). The prefix de- intensifies the action, while pict (from pingere, "to paint") forms the core meaning of creating a visual or verbal image. The suffix -ion nominalizes the action, turning it into a concrete result (e.g., a painting or description). Over time, the term expanded beyond literal painting to include any form of representation.
The artist’s depiction of the sunset was strikingly vivid.
The novel offers a grim depiction of war’s aftermath.
Historical depictions in textbooks often reflect cultural biases.
Her depiction of the event matched the eyewitness accounts.
The mural is a colorful depiction of the town’s founding myth.