What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acted
Example
She acted brilliantly in the lead role of the play. [acted: verb]
Example
He acted professionally during the crisis and kept his cool. [acted: verb]
portrayed
Example
The actor portrayed a convincing villain in the movie. [portrayed: verb]
Example
The media portrayed him as a hero for his actions during the rescue. [portrayed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acted is more commonly used than portrayed in everyday language, especially in the context of acting and performance. Portrayed is less common but can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between acted and portrayed?
Both acted and portrayed are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
