Depicted or shown in a particular way, or from a particular perspective (i.e., good, positive, favorable, bad, negative, etc.). He was angry because the film didn't portray him in a favorable light. I'm flattered that he based a character in his novel on me, but I think I was shown in a bad light. A candidate's policies are important, but during an election, it matters more for voters to see them in a good light.

Negatively; under unfavorable circumstances. (Typically used with the verbs "see" or "show," or some similar variation.) I'm flattered that he based a character in his novel on me, but I think I was shown in a bad light. The once-beloved mayor has been seen in a bad light ever since news of his tax-evasion scandal came to public attention.