Main Entry: rep·re·sent

Pronunciation: \ˌre-pri-ˈzent\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French representer, from Latin repraesentare, from re- + praesentare to present

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to bring clearly before the mind : present <a book which represents the character of early America>
2 : to serve as a sign or symbol of <the flag represents our country>
3 : to portray or exhibit in art : depict
4 : to serve as the counterpart or image of : typify <a movie hero who represents the ideals of the culture>
5 a : to produce on the stage b : to act the part or role of
6 a (1) : to take the place of in some respect (2) : to act in the place of or for usually by legal right (3) : to manage the legal and business affairs of <athletes represented by top lawyers and agents> b : to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from election
7 : to describe as having a specified character or quality <represents himself as a friend>
8 a : to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment b : to point out in protest or remonstrance
9 : to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of
10 a : to form an image or representation of in the mind b (1) : to apprehend (an object) by means of an idea (2) : to recall in memory
11 : to correspond to in essence : constituteintransitive verb 1 : to make representations against something : protest
2 slang : to perform a task or duty admirably : serve as an outstanding example

— rep·re·sent·able \-ˈzen-tə-bəl\ adjective

— rep·re·sent·er noun