What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
painter
Example
The painter used bold colors to create a striking landscape. [painter: noun]
Example
She enjoys painting as a hobby in her free time. [painting: gerund or present participle]
portraitist
Example
The portraitist was commissioned to paint a family portrait. [portraitist: noun]
Example
She is a talented portraitist who captures the essence of her subjects in her paintings. [portraitist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Painter is a more commonly used term than portraitist in everyday language. Painter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while portraitist is less common and refers to a more specialized type of artist.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between painter and portraitist?
Portraitist is typically associated with a more formal and specialized tone, while painter is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.