What is the difference between the words "convey" and "portray"?

Question

I always get these words mixed up. Please explain the difference(s) of each word, and provide some examples as well.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The actor portrayed Hamlet. He conveyed all the Dane's doubts to the audience.
To portray is to depict. Think of the word portrait, which has the same root.
To convey is to pass on information. Thus the actor portrays a character, and conveys to the audience the essence of that character.

Answer 2

I wish to convey my deepest sympathies to the family next door who lost their son in a tragic car accident.

In the book, the author portrays the main character as a selfish, self-absorbed, egotistical, narcissist.

See the difference?

You wouldn't say, "I wish to portray my deepest sympathies..." Nor would you say, "In the book, the author conveys the main character..."

Check Webster's definition of each if you're so interested in learning the difference between the two words.

Answer 3

Convey means to pass something on..
"Bob conveyed the message to Fred."
Portray means to impersonate someone or some action.
"Sally was portrayed as being a hero in the movie."

Answer 4

Convey:

To take or carry from one place to another; transport.
To serve as a medium of transmission for; transmit: wires that convey electricity.
To communicate or make known; impart: "a look intended to convey sympathetic comprehension" (Saki).
Law To transfer ownership of or title to.
Archaic To steal.

Portray:

to make a likeness of by drawing, painting, carving, or the like.
to depict in words; describe graphically.
to represent dramatically, as on the stage: He portrayed Napoleon in the play.

Answer 5

Convey.. means "explain in words"
Portray.. means "explain with actions"

Actors portray a character.
Words convey meaning.

Answer 6

In strict terms, Convey means communicate and Portray means describe. Sometimes they can be close, but while I can try to convey an idea to you, I don't usually try to portray an idea to you.

I convey something (active verb).
Something is portrayed as (passive verb)

Answer 7

Both words mean to give an impression to someone else. Convey usually means "handing it over"as one would do in a letter or a book. Portray has a sense of "come and get it."

Answer 8

Convey is to relay a specific message or interpretation. Portray is to imitate in the closest way possible.

Answer 9

you convey a message
as you explain it
portray is acting out a character
think of portray as A PORTRAIT..
maybe that will help you less confuse the two

Answer 10

Like is defined in terms of more of a crush or affection/fondness. Love is the outworking of your truest feelings in your actions and behavior. If you really love someone, you strive to put their needs above your own. You might do that too if you like someone, but it's not a long term thing. Good luck! Hope this helped.