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
1
The act of representing something, or something that stands in for something else.
"The map is a simplified representation of the coastline."
"The painting is a realistic representation of a stormy sea."
"A dove is a common representation of peace in art."
2
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."
"Children need to see fair representation of different families in books."
"Better representation on television helps viewers feel seen."
3
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."
"Workers asked for union representation in talks with the management."
"The accused has a right to legal representation in court."
How to use representation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding in for, or the fair depiction of, someone or something.
Common pairings
legal representation
fair representation
lack of representation
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Word forms
- Plural
- representations
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The map is a simplified _____ of the coastline.
Etymology
From Latin repraesentatio, built on repraesentare ("to present again") — the noun form of "represent."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for representation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for representation →
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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