adjective
representative
rehp-rih-ZEHN-tihv
adjective
1
Typical of a larger group; standing for the qualities of that group.
"The survey used a representative sample of the population."
noun
1
A person chosen or appointed to act or speak on behalf of others.
"She was elected as the local representative for her district."
2
A person who visits or contacts potential customers on behalf of a company.
"A sales representative called about the new software package."
How to Use Representative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that stands for, or acts on behalf of, a larger group.
Common pairings
sales representative
elected representative
representative sample
Word Forms
more representative comparative, representatives plural, most representative superlative
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Etymology
From Medieval Latin repraesentativus, built on the same root as "represent."