represent

play

verb rep·re·sent \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
5a : to produce on the stageb : to act the part or role of
6a (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 agentsb : 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
8a : to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgmentb : to point out in protest or remonstrance
9 : to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of
10a : to form an image or representation of in the mindb (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

representable

play \-ˈzen-tə-bəl\ adjective

representer

noun

See represent defined for English-language learners

See represent defined for kids

Examples of represent in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of represent from the Web

The line of people outside the old funeral home in Fort Thomas Friday represented a swath of American society.

— scott wartman, The Courier-Journal, "A Governor, congressmen and neighbors say farewell to Jim Bunning", 2 June 2017
And the review misstated the number of Balke’s contemporaries who are represented in the Met show.

— New York Times, "Corrections: June 3, 2017", 2 June 2017
The number represents only those who have contacted Compassion & Choices, an advocacy group that provides information on the process.

— julie watson, The Seattle Times, "Group: 504 Californians got life-ending prescriptions", 1 June 2017
The move represented a major breakthrough among American allies that still clash regularly over issues stemming from Japan’s more than three-decade occupation of South Korea.

— david tweed, Bloomberg.com, "Kim Jong Un Spurs Asian Race for Missile-Defense Systems", 1 June 2017
That cut, which was revealed as part of President Trump’s budget proposal last Tuesday, represents 18 percent of the NIH’s budget.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Even the Threat Of Budget Cuts Can Hurt American Science", 31 May 2017
In a college football conference where rival athletic departments spend millions of dollars to remain competitive, King represents one of the latest investments.

— joseph goodman, AL.com, "SEC infowars: When recruiting bleeds into the newsroom", 31 May 2017
Amazon was also well-represented at Cannes, with several movies in competition.

— steven zeitchik, chicagotribune.com, "At Cannes, an existential fight over technology, Netflix and the future of cinema", 28 May 2017
Patrick M. Regan is an attorney representing several plaintiffs.

— associated press, Washington Post, "Judge dismisses 25 lawsuits over 2015 Metro smoke incident", 28 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'represent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of represent

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

REPRESENT Defined for English Language Learners

represent

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verb

Definition of represent for English Language Learners

: to act or speak officially for (someone or something)
: to have a government position in which you speak or act for (a particular group, state, etc.)
: to speak or act for (someone or something) in a court of law

REPRESENT Defined for Kids

represent

play

verb rep·re·sent \ˌre-pri-ˈzent\

Definition of represent for Students

represented

;

representing

1 : to present a picture, image, or likeness of : portray This picture represents a country scene.
2 : to be a sign or symbol of The flag represents our country.
3 : to act for or in place of We elect men and women to represent us in Congress.

Law Dictionary

represent

transitive verb rep·re·sent

Legal Definition of represent

1 : to substitute in some capacity for : act the part of, in place of, or for (as another person) usually by legal right: as a : to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from an election b : to provide legal representation to as a lawyer c : to act as the representative of in a class action
2a : to describe as having a specified character or quality b : to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment