Agents
/ˈeɪdʒənts/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who acts on behalf of another.
/ˈeɪdʒənts/
A person or thing that acts on behalf of another.
He's a secret agent.
💡 Simply: Someone who does things for someone else.
More Examples
Travel agents can help you plan your trip.
How It's Used
"The real estate agent helped us find our dream home."
"The undercover agents infiltrated the criminal organization."
A substance or force that produces an effect.
/ˈeɪdʒənts/
A substance that produces a particular effect, especially a chemical one.
The bleaching agent whitened the fabric.
💡 Simply: Something that makes something else happen.
More Examples
The medication contains an active agent that targets the infection.
How It's Used
"The active agent in the cleaning solution is bleach."
From Middle French agent, from Latin agere "to do, drive, act".
The word 'agent' has been used for centuries, initially referring more broadly to 'doer' or 'actor'. Its specialized uses developed later.
Memory tip
Think of an agent as someone who 'acts' on your behalf.