Represent
/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo act or speak for someone or something.
/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/
To stand in for or act on behalf of someone or something.
The lawyer represented the company during the negotiations.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the class president. You represent your classmates and speak for them. Represent means to stand in for someone else or speak for them.
👶 For kids: To stand in for someone or something, like being a superhero for a whole town!
More Examples
She will represent the company at the conference.
The lawyer represented the client's best interests in court.
How It's Used
"The senator represents the interests of her constituents in Congress."
"The lawyer represented the client in court."
To depict or portray something.
/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/
To depict or portray something, such as in art or words.
The artist's work represents the beauty of nature.
💡 Simply: Imagine drawing a picture of your dog. The picture represents your dog; it shows what your dog looks like.
👶 For kids: To show something, like drawing a picture of a cat to show what a cat looks like.
More Examples
The author's novel represents a snapshot of society.
The painting represents the artist's interpretation of the event.
How It's Used
"The painting represents a serene landscape."
"The author represents the protagonist as a strong-willed character."
To stand for or symbolize something else.
/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/
To symbolize or be a sign of something.
The statue represents freedom.
💡 Simply: If you see a heart emoji, it represents love. It's a way of showing what love is all about.
👶 For kids: To stand for something, like how a heart stands for love.
More Examples
The logo represents the company's core values.
The color red often represents anger or passion.
How It's Used
"The dove often represents peace."
"The flag represents the nation's values."
To constitute or amount to; to be equivalent to.
/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/
To constitute or amount to something.
These statistics represent a significant shift in consumer behavior.
💡 Simply: The money in your piggy bank represents how much you've saved. It's a way to show the total.
👶 For kids: To mean a certain amount, like how your toys represent how many you have.
More Examples
The data represents an important finding in the study.
The final score represents the culmination of their hard work.
How It's Used
"The survey results represent the views of a large population."
"The sales figures represent a significant increase."
Synonyms
Depict
Illustrate
Portray
Embody
Constitute
Equal
Reflect
Idioms & expressions
representational art
Art that aims to depict objects as they appear in reality.
"The museum displayed a collection of representational art."
self-representation
The act of an individual representing themselves, especially in legal proceedings.
"In many states, individuals have the right to self-representation in court."
From Latin *repraesentare*, meaning 'to present again, make present'. It developed through Old French, reflecting a shift from literal 'presenting' to more abstract ideas of depicting, symbolizing, or acting on behalf of.
The word 'represent' first emerged in the 14th century with the meaning of 'to present or exhibit'. Its use has evolved to encompass the various senses seen today, particularly expanding in legal, political, and artistic contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a 'representative' who is chosen to act FOR a group.