noun Common

representation

rehp-ruh-zehn-TAY-shuhn

Representation (noun) means the act of representing something, or something that stands in for something else. Example: “The map is a simplified representation of the coastline.”

noun

The act of representing something, or something that stands in for something else.

"The map is a simplified representation of the coastline."

The presence and portrayal of a particular group of people in media, and how fairly or accurately they are shown.

"The show was praised for its representation of disabled characters."

The right or ability to have someone speak on one's behalf, especially in government or law.

"The colonies protested that they had no representation in Parliament."

How to Use Representation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStanding in for, or the fair depiction of, someone or something.

Common pairings

legal representation fair representation lack of representation

Word Forms

representations plural, representations plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The map is a simplified _____ of the coastline.

Etymology

From Latin repraesentatio, built on repraesentare ("to present again") — the noun form of "represent."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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depiction portrayal likeness image illustration rendering

Related Words

example idea role picture image photo copy description

Rhymes for representation

ion lion Zion Dion Sion union scion Orion Onion action minion bunion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “representation” mean?

The word “representation” means the act of representing something, or something that stands in for something else. In plain terms, standing in for, or the fair depiction of, someone or something.

How do you pronounce “representation”?

“Representation” is pronounced rehp-ruh-zehn-TAY-shuhn (/ˌɹɛp.ɹə.zɛnˈteɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “representation” in a sentence?

Here is “representation” used in a sentence: “The map is a simplified representation of the coastline.”

What part of speech is “representation”?

“Representation” is a noun.

Where does the word “representation” come from?

The word “representation” comes from Latin. From Latin repraesentatio, built on repraesentare ("to present again") — the noun form of "represent.".

Is “representation” a common word?

“Representation” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “representation” have?

“Representation” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of representing something, or something that stands in for something else.

What is the difference between representation and depiction?

Both involve standing in for or portraying something, but depiction usually refers specifically to showing something in a picture or description. Representation is broader and can also cover standing in for someone, as in legal or political representation.

What is proportional representation?

Proportional representation is a voting system in which the number of seats a party wins reflects its share of the total vote. Here representation carries its political sense of standing in for a group of people.

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