Definition

Noun: A detailed and vivid description created using words, often intended to produce a strong mental image in the reader's or listener's mind. It is a verbal representation that paints a picture.

Usage

The term "word picture" is used to refer to a descriptive passage in speech or writing that is so detailed and evocative it allows the audience to visualize the scene, person, or object being described. It functions as a noun and is often preceded by adjectives like "vivid," "graphic," or "detailed."

Examples

• The author's word picture of the bustling market was so vivid I could almost smell the spices.
• She painted a word picture of her childhood home that brought tears to my eyes.
• The detective asked the witness to create a word picture of the suspect.

Advanced Usage

• "to paint/draw a word picture": This is a common collocation meaning to create a vivid verbal description.
  • The poet painted a beautiful word picture of the sunset over the lake.
• The concept is central to descriptive writing and effective storytelling, where the goal is to show, not just tell.

Variants and Related Words

• Word-painting (n): A synonym for "word picture," emphasizing the artistic act of creating the description.
• Description (n): A more general term for a spoken or written account.
• Depiction (n): The act of portraying something in words or art.
• Portrayal (n): A representation or description of someone or something.
• Characterization (n): A description of the distinctive nature or features of someone or something.

Synonyms

• Verbal description
• Vivid description
• Graphic account
• Depiction
• Portrayal

Antonyms

• Summary
• Abstraction
• Generalization

Related Idioms/Phrases

• A picture is worth a thousand words: This idiom contrasts with "word picture," suggesting that a visual image can convey complex ideas more efficiently than a description. A "word picture" attempts to achieve the detail of a visual picture using only words.

Noun

1. a graphic or vivid verbal description
   • too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures
   • the author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland
   • the pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters