represent

rep·re·sent

verb \ˌre-pri-ˈzent\

Definition of REPRESENT

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 : constitute

intransitive 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

Examples of REPRESENT

1. He represented his company at the meeting.
2. She hired an agent to represent her in the contract negotiations.
3. Senator Smith represents the state of Connecticut.
4. The company is represented by a local law firm.
5. She represented the United States in figure skating at the Olympics.
6. The court's decision represents a victory for small businesses.
7. The new prices represent a substantial increase over last year's prices.

Origin of REPRESENT

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REPRESENT

Synonyms

character, define, depict, describe, portray, characterize

Related Words

categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type; color, identify, indicate, name, specify; distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

Rhymes with REPRESENT

accident, aliment, Blaenau Gwent, circumvent, compartment, complement, compliment, confident, devilment, diffident, discontent, document, evident, heaven-sent, implement, incident, instrument, Jack-a-Lent, malcontent, nonevent, Occident, ornament, orient, provident, regiment, reinvent, re-present, resident, Saint-Laurent, sediment, self-content, subsequent, supplement