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

While the event has traditionally celebrated independent filmmaking, the Gotham Film & Media Institute had the $35 million budget cap requirements removed for potential nominees this year, allowing for representation from blockbuster productions like Barbie to be in the mix. —Mario Abad, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2023

Her work promotes the importance of diversity and representation, engaging parents and children worldwide. —Jennifer Vassel, Parents, 27 Nov. 2023

This change, also aimed at improving representation and inclusion, follows extensive consultation within the BRITs organization and relevant industry and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) groups, including the BPI’s own Equity & Justice Advisory Group (EJAG). —Paul Grein, Billboard, 24 Nov. 2023

According to the recent report from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC, Latino representation in Hollywood has not shown any meaningful growth in the last 16 years. —Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023

The representation was loudly on-display as the carpet kicked off with a lively special performance of the haka dance, a Maori ceremonial practice. —Breanna Bell, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023

The film also marks one of the first on-screen representations of what is known in the Samoan community as a fa’afafine. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023

If one of Diana’s legacies to the monarchy was to establish an expectation of greater emotional openness, the fictional representation of Charles has undergone a similar transformation. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2023

Longtime friend and colleague Taraji P. Henson gave Blige’s introduction speech, noting the important representation Blige offered Henson and countless others like her. —Pitchfork, 13 Nov. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing representation

• proportional representation
• self-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