Representation
/ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of presenting, depicting, or symbolizing something; a likeness or image; the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something.
/ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/
The act of representing or the state of being represented.
The painting is a beautiful representation of a summer landscape.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a picture of your cat – that's a representation of your cat! Or, if you're a class president speaking for your classmates, that's also a representation – you're representing them!
👶 For kids: When you show what something is like (like drawing a picture) or when you speak for someone.
More Examples
The lawyer provided a strong representation of her client in court.
This chart offers a clear visual representation of the data.
How It's Used
"The new law ensures fair representation for all citizens."
"The artist's representation of the scene was highly detailed."
"The company's representation at the conference was very impressive."
A person or group acting or speaking on behalf of another person or group.
/ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/
A person or group acting on behalf of another or others.
The union provided representation for the workers during the negotiations.
💡 Simply: Think of someone speaking up for you – like the captain of your sports team representing the team, or a lawyer representing their client in court. They're a 'representation' of a person or group.
👶 For kids: Someone who speaks or acts for a group of people.
More Examples
She serves as the company's representation in international markets.
The town hall meeting provided an opportunity for citizen representation.
How It's Used
"Each state has representation in the Senate."
"Our company's representation will be at the conference."
The act of presenting or portraying something in a certain manner, often involving interpretation or perspective.
/ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/
The act of presenting something in a specific way.
The artist's representation of the scene emphasized the beauty of nature.
💡 Simply: When someone tells a story, the way they tell it is their 'representation' of what happened. It might be different from someone else's story, depending on how they see things.
👶 For kids: How something is shown or described, like how a story might be told differently by different people.
More Examples
The company's advertising campaign offered a positive representation of their brand.
The book provides a detailed representation of the historical period.
How It's Used
"The media's representation of the event was criticized by many."
"The company's representation of its products was misleading."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
misrepresentation
A false or misleading representation of something.
"The company was accused of misrepresentation in its advertising."
fair representation
Equitable and just representation.
"The new electoral laws ensure fair representation for all citizens."
From Latin *repraesentatio* ('a showing forth, image'), from *repraesentare* ('to make present, represent'), from *re-* ('again') + *praesentare* ('to present').
The word has been used since the late 14th century and has evolved to include various meanings related to depiction, advocacy, and symbolic presence.
Memory tip
Think of a photo (a 'representation') showing what something looks like, or a politician (a 'representative') speaking for their constituents.
Word Origin
"to make present, depict"