representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 

-zən-

1

: one that represents: such as

a

: an artistic likeness or image

b(1)

: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action

(2)

: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into

c

: a dramatic production or performance

d(1)

: a usually formal statement made against something or to effect a change

(2)

: a usually formal protest

2

: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented: such as

a

: representationalism sense 2

b(1)

: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented

(2)

: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (such as a child for a deceased parent)

c

: the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative body

3

: the body of persons representing a constituency

representational

ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-zən-

adjective

representationally adverb

Examples of representation in a Sentence

Each state has equal representation in the Senate.

The letters of the alphabet are representations of sounds.

Recent Examples on the Web

Banding together has been especially crucial to Asian Americans, as Yen says there’s active participation in community events, forums, and discussions that promote diversity, inclusion, and representation. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2024

His latest gripe is with the new diversity rules that the Academy of Motion Pictures instituted for Oscar-eligible films to help advance the representation of LGBTQ+, women, ethnic minorities and disabled people. —Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing representation

• proportional representation
• self-representation

Kids Definition

representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 

1

: one (as a picture or symbol) that represents something else

2

: the act or action of representing : the state of being represented (as in a legislative body)

representational

ˌrep-ri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

representation

noun

rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion

1

: one that represents: as

a

: a statement or account made to influence opinion or action compare warranty sense 3

b

: an incidental or collateral statement of fact on the faith of which a contract is entered into

when a contract for sale contains certain representations by the purchaser

specifically : a statement of fact made by an applicant to an insurer for the purpose of obtaining insurance

2

: the act or action of representing: as

a

: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented

b

: the substitution of an individual or class in place of a person (as when a child or children take the share of an estate that would have fallen to a deceased parent) see also per stirpes

c

: the action of representing or the fact of being represented especially in a legislative body

d

: the act or action by a lawyer of providing legal advice to a client and appearing (as in court) to speak and act on the client's behalf

3

: the body of persons representing a constituency