represent
rehp-rih-ZEHNT
Represent (verb) means to act or speak on behalf of someone else. Example: “Her lawyer will represent her in court.”
verb
1
To act or speak on behalf of someone else.
"Her lawyer will represent her in court."
"He represents the union in negotiations with management."
"Two students will represent the class at the school council meeting."
2
To serve as a sign, symbol, or example of something.
"The dove represents peace in many cultures."
"On the map, a blue line represents a river."
"A white flag can represent a wish for peace."
3
To portray or depict something, visually or in words.
"The painting represents a quiet village scene."
"The author tries to represent village life as it really was."
"The statue represents a farmer holding a basket of apples."
How to use represent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stand in for, speak for, or symbolize something.
Common pairings
represent a client
represent a country
represent an idea
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- represents
- Past tense
- represented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her lawyer will _____ her in court.
Etymology
From Old French representer, from Latin repraesentare, "to present again or bring before" — from re- plus praesentare ("to present").
Synonyms
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act for
speak for
stand for
advocate for
act on behalf of
stand in for
deputize for
comprise
be
constitute
act
make up
Related words
Rhymes for represent
See all rhymes for represent →Frequently asked questions
What does “represent” mean?
The word “represent” means to act or speak on behalf of someone else. In plain terms, to stand in for, speak for, or symbolize something.
How do you pronounce “represent”?
“Represent” is pronounced rehp-rih-ZEHNT (/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “represent” in a sentence?
Here is “represent” used in a sentence: “Her lawyer will represent her in court.”
What is another word for “represent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “represent” include make up.
What part of speech is “represent”?
“Represent” is a verb.
Where does the word “represent” come from?
The word “represent” comes from Latin. From Old French representer, from Latin repraesentare, "to present again or bring before" — from re- plus praesentare ("to present").
Is “represent” a common word?
“Represent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “represent” have?
“Represent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to act or speak on behalf of someone else.
What is the difference between represent and present?
To represent someone is to act or speak on their behalf, as a lawyer represents a client or a delegate represents a group. To present means to introduce, show, or offer something directly. The two are easily confused because a representative often presents ideas, but representing centers on standing in for others.
What are the different meanings of represent?
Beyond acting on someone's behalf, 'represent' carries other common senses. It can mean to symbolize or stand for something, as a dove represents peace, or to depict, as a painting represents a landscape. It can also mean to amount to, as in 'this represents a major change.' Context decides which sense applies.
What is an example of 'represent' in a sentence?
'She was chosen to represent her colleagues at the meeting' shows the core sense, speaking and acting for others. A lawyer represents a defendant in court, and an ambassador represents their country abroad. In each case, one person is authorized to stand in for others and voice their interests.
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