agent
AYD-zhuhnt
Agent (noun) means a person who acts on behalf of another, especially in business or legal matters. Example: “The talent agent found her a part in a new television series.”
noun
1
A person who acts on behalf of another, especially in business or legal matters.
"The talent agent found her a part in a new television series."
"Her literary agent negotiated the book deal."
"The estate agent showed us three houses."
2
A person who works, often secretly, for a government or intelligence organization.
"In the film, a secret agent escapes from a heavily guarded embassy."
"The agent passed classified information to headquarters."
"He was recruited as a double agent."
3
A substance or force that produces an effect.
"Yeast is the raising agent that makes the bread dough rise."
"Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent."
"The virus is the causative agent of the disease."
How to use agent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that acts, especially on behalf of someone else, or a substance that causes an effect.
Common pairings
secret agent
estate agent
cleaning agent
travel agent
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Word forms
- Plural
- agents
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The talent _____ found her a part in a new television series.
Etymology
From Latin agens, the present participle of agere ("to do, act, drive").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “agent” mean?
The word “agent” means a person who acts on behalf of another, especially in business or legal matters. In plain terms, someone (or something) that acts, especially on behalf of someone else, or a substance that causes an effect.
How do you pronounce “agent”?
“Agent” is pronounced AYD-zhuhnt (/ˈeɪ̯d͡ʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “agent” in a sentence?
Here is “agent” used in a sentence: “Her literary agent negotiated the book deal.”
What is another word for “agent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “agent” include actor and performer.
What is the opposite of “agent”?
The opposite of “agent” — its antonyms — are patient, recipient and undergoer.
What part of speech is “agent”?
“Agent” is a noun.
Where does the word “agent” come from?
The word “agent” comes from Latin. From Latin agens, the present participle of agere ("to do, act, drive").
Is “agent” a common word?
“Agent” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
Both act as intermediaries, but the roles differ. An agent represents and acts in the interests of one party, such as a seller or an author. A broker arranges deals between two parties without permanently representing either, matching buyers with sellers. In short, agents take sides; brokers connect them.
What are the types of agents?
There are many kinds. Estate agents sell property, literary and talent agents represent authors and performers, and travel agents book trips. Insurance and sports agents negotiate on a client's behalf, while business agents handle commercial dealings. In each case, the agent acts for someone else's interests.
What are other meanings of 'agent'?
Beyond a person acting for others, agent can mean a substance that produces an effect — a cleaning agent or chemical agent. In computing, a software agent performs tasks automatically. It can also mean a spy or secret agent. The common thread is something that acts or brings about a result.
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