First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
represent
verb rep·re·sent \ˌre-pri-ˈzent\
: to act or speak officially for (someone or something)
: to have a government position in which you speak or act for (a particular group, state, etc.)
: to speak or act for (someone or something) in a court of law
Full Definition of REPRESENT
transitive verb
1
: to bring clearly before the mind : present <a book which represents the character of early America>
2
: to serve as a sign or symbol of <the flag represents our country>
3
: to portray or exhibit in art : depict
4
: to serve as the counterpart or image of : typify <a movie hero who represents the ideals of the culture>
5
a : to produce on the stage b : to act the part or role of
6
a (1) : to take the place of in some respect (2) : to act in the place of or for usually by legal right (3) : to manage the legal and business affairs of <athletes represented by top lawyers and agents> b : to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from election
7
: to describe as having a specified character or quality <represents himself as a friend>
8
a : to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment b : to point out in protest or remonstrance
9
: to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of
10
a : to form an image or representation of in the mind b (1) : to apprehend (an object) by means of an idea (2) : to recall in memory
11
: to correspond to in essence : constitute
intransitive verb
1
: to make representations against something : protest
2
slang : to perform a task or duty admirably : serve as an outstanding example
— rep·re·sent·able \-ˈzen-tə-bəl\ adjective
— rep·re·sent·er noun
See represent defined for English-language learners
See represent defined for kids
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Origin of REPRESENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French representer, from Latin repraesentare, from re- + praesentare to present
Rhymes with REPRESENT
accident, aliment, Blaenau Gwent, circumvent, compartment, complement, compliment, confident, devilment, diffident, discontent, document, evident, heaven-sent, implement, incident, instrument, Jack-a-Lent, malcontent, nonevent, Occident, ornament, orient, provident, regiment, reinvent, re-present, resident, Saint-Laurent, sediment, self-content, subsequent, supplement
REPRESENTED Defined for Kids
represent
verb rep·re·sent \ˌre-pri-ˈzent\
rep·re·sent·edrep·re·sent·ing
Definition of REPRESENT for Kids
1
: to present a picture, image, or likeness of : portray <This picture represents a country scene.>
2
: to be a sign or symbol of <The flag represents our country.>
3
: to act for or in place of <We elect men and women to represent us in Congress.>
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