representative
rehp-rih-ZEHN-tihv
Representative (adjective) means Typical of a larger group; standing for the qualities of that group. Example: “The survey used a representative sample of the population.”
adjective
1
Typical of a larger group; standing for the qualities of that group.
"The survey used a representative sample of the population."
"This painting is representative of the artist's early work."
"The shop's best sellers are not representative of what most people buy."
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."
"Each class chooses a representative to speak at the school council."
"The union sent a representative to the meeting with managers."
2
A person who visits or contacts potential customers on behalf of a company.
"A sales representative called about the new software package."
"A representative from the insurance firm knocked on our door."
"The company's representative will visit your shop to show you the new range."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- representatives
- Comparative
- more representative
- Superlative
- most representative
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The survey used a _____ sample of the population.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin repraesentativus, built on the same root as "represent."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonrepresentative
Related words
Rhymes for representative
See all rhymes for representative →Frequently asked questions
What does “representative” mean?
The word “representative” means typical of a larger group; standing for the qualities of that group. In plain terms, someone or something that stands for, or acts on behalf of, a larger group.
How do you pronounce “representative”?
“Representative” is pronounced rehp-rih-ZEHN-tihv (/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “representative” in a sentence?
Here is “representative” used in a sentence: “The survey used a representative sample of the population.”
What is another word for “representative”?
Words with a similar meaning to “representative” include rep.
What part of speech is “representative”?
Depending on how it is used, “representative” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “representative” come from?
The word “representative” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin repraesentativus, built on the same root as "represent.".
Is “representative” a common word?
“Representative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “representative” have?
“Representative” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: typical of a larger group; standing for the qualities of that group.
What is the difference between 'representative' and 'typical'?
They are close synonyms. 'Typical' means showing the usual qualities of a group or kind. 'Representative' adds the idea of standing for the whole — a well-chosen example that fairly reflects the larger group. A representative sample is deliberately typical, so it can stand in for everyone it represents.
What is a representative sample?
A representative sample is a smaller group chosen so that its make-up mirrors the larger population it comes from. Because it fairly reflects the whole, researchers can study it and draw conclusions that apply more widely. If a sample is not representative, its results can be misleading.
What is an example of 'representative' as an adjective?
'These five reviews are representative of what most customers said' means the five fairly reflect the general opinion. Similarly, 'a representative range of products' shows the typical spread on offer. In each case, the smaller set stands in for, and mirrors, the larger group.
Is 'representative' an adjective or a noun?
It is both. As an adjective it means typical of a larger group, as in 'a representative sample.' As a noun it means a person who acts or speaks for others, such as a sales representative or an elected representative. Context makes clear which is meant.
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