portfolio
port-FOH-lee-oh
/pɔːrtˈfoʊliˌoʊ/
A collection of a person's best work, often presented to show their skills and experience to potential employers or clients.
Essential for creative professionals, it's a curated showcase designed to demonstrate capabilities and style, often tailored to specific opportunities.
The story behind the word. The word 'portfolio' comes from Italian, combining 'portare' (to carry) and 'foglio' (a leaf or sheet of paper), which itself comes from Latin 'folium'. So, it literally means 'to carry leaves' or 'to carry papers'. It originally referred to a case for carrying loose papers or drawings. By the 18th century, it was used for a collection of documents or drawings, and later, in the 20th century, it evolved to mean a collection of an artist's or writer's work presented to potential clients or employers.
Word relationships
- collection: Broader term; a 'portfolio' is a specific, curated collection of work.
- showcase: Emphasizes the presentation aspect, often used interchangeably with 'portfolio' in creative fields.
- body of work: Refers to all the work an artist or writer has produced, whereas a 'portfolio' is a selected subset.
Commonly confused with
- resume: A 'resume' is a summary of education, experience, and skills, primarily text-based. A 'portfolio' is a collection of actual work samples, often visual or extensive, demonstrating those skills.
Collocations
- online portfolio
- design portfolio
- investment portfolio
- build a portfolio
- strong portfolio
Example sentences
- "The graphic designer updated her online portfolio with her latest projects before applying for the new role." In a creative profession.
- "A strong portfolio filled with diverse bylines is crucial for a freelance journalist seeking new commissions." For a freelance writer.
- "Her investment portfolio included a mix of stocks, bonds, and real estate." In a financial context.
Memory hook
Think of a 'PORT'able folder full of 'FOLIO' (pages/leaves) of your best work. Carry papers
When not to use
Do not use 'portfolio' for a random collection of items without a specific purpose of showcasing work or assets.
Fun facts
- The term 'portfolio' is also widely used in finance to refer to a collection of investments.
Explore more words
Diversify, Reserves, net worth, collection, income, consortium
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