1 portray:to paint or draw the likeness of; as, to portray a king on horseback

Question

2 hence, figuratively to describe in words
3 to adorn with pictures
4 to decorate
which definition has the closest meaning to portray as it is used in this sentence
an unshelled fish is lively and elusive past the power of words to portray and this undoubtedly lies it's desirability

Answer 1

In the sentence, "an unshelled fish is lively and elusive past the power of words to portray and this undoubtedly lies its desirability," the closest definition of "portray" is:

2. hence, figuratively to describe in words.

This definition aligns with the context of the sentence, as it refers to the ability to describe or represent something using language, specifically highlighting the limitations of words in capturing the essence of the fish.