represent

1 of 2

verb (1)

rep·​re·​sent ˌre-pri-ˈzent 

represented; representing; represents

transitive verb

1

: to give a clear understanding or impression of : to describe or present clearly

a book which represents the character of early America

also : to describe or present in a specified way or as having a specified quality or character

… should we continue to teach classic books that may be problematic, or eschew them in favor of works that more positively represent people of color?

—Tiara Jenkins

… asking her to address the claim that she falsely represented herself as an architect …

—Jodi S. Cohen and Stacy St. Clair

2

: to serve as a sign or symbol of

the flag represents our country

3

: to portray or exhibit in art : depict

… would often draw colorful illustrations representing each calendar month …

—Charles Owens

4

: to serve as the counterpart or image of : typify

a movie hero who represents the ideals of the culture

5

theater

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

He was represented by family members at the memorial service.

(2)

: to act in the place of or for usually by legal right

She represented the company in the negotiations.

(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

The Senator represents the state of Connecticut.

c

: to include (people, perspectives, etc.) from a given group, especially one that has historically been excluded or discriminated against (as due to race, gender, sexuality, or ability)

—often used in passive constructions

Women of all races are less represented in leadership roles, but women of color face double hurdles of sexism and racism.

—Shelley Stewart III et al.

Taking point of view, experience, race and gender under consideration, the foundation strives to ensure that all voices are represented, said [Dawn] Padmore …

—Parker Milner

d

: to present oneself as and show pride in being a member of (a culture, race, etc., especially one that was historically excluded or discriminated against)

I admire that there are folks, especially in media, as well as film, that are representing their Blackness and embracing it …

—Sunny Hostin, quoted at People (online)

"Sharon is bisexual! So glad there is someone representing the LGBTQ community," one [unidentified] fan tweeted …

—Zoe Delaney

When you're singing the anthems, it's personal. I represent America. I represent Puerto Rico. I represent the culture, I represent where I was born …

—Ana Garcia, quoted in Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut)

7

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

8

: to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of

9

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

10

: 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

representable

ˌre-pri-ˈzen-tə-bəl 

adjective

representer noun

re-present

2 of 2

verb (2)

re-pre·​sent ˌrē-pri-ˈzent 

re-presented; re-presenting; re-presents

transitive verb

: to present again or anew

re-presentation

ˌrē-ˌprē-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌpre-zᵊn-

-ˌprē-zᵊn-

noun

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• character
• characterize
• define
• depict
• describe
• portray

Examples of represent in a Sentence

Verb (1)

He represented his company at the meeting.

She hired an agent to represent her in the contract negotiations.

Senator Smith represents the state of Connecticut.

The company is represented by a local law firm.

She represented the United States in figure skating at the Olympics.

The court's decision represents a victory for small businesses.

The new prices represent a substantial increase over last year's prices.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Harris may represent a slight reset, but not a fundamental one. —Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024

District 7: With incumbent Leslie Pool term-limited, seven people are trying to represent this north-central district. —Asher Price, Axios, 23 Sep. 2024

Verb

Rather than dismiss them outright, Platt granted the plaintiffs additional time to amend and re-present the complaint. —Christopher B. Summers, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2024

Arriving at the doctor’s home in Hungary having not seen Semmelweis for eleven years, two former colleagues beg him to return to Vienna to re-present his findings from all those years ago to a medical conference. —David Benedict, Variety, 13 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French representer, from Latin repraesentare, from re- + praesentare to present

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 6a(1)

Verb (2)

1564, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

represent

verb

rep·​re·​sent ˌrep-ri-ˈzent 

1

: to serve as a sign or symbol of

the flag represents our country

2

: to present a picture, image, or likeness of : portray

this picture represents a scene at Queen Elizabeth's court

3

a

: to take the place of in some respect

b

: to act for or in the place of (as in a legislative body)

c

: to manage the legal and business affairs of

he represented one of the sport's top athletes

4

: to describe as having a certain character or quality

represented himself as being poor

5

: to serve as an example or instance of

representable

-ə-bəl 

adjective

representer noun

Legal Definition

represent

transitive verb

rep·​re·​sent

1

: to substitute in some capacity for : act the part of, in place of, or for (as another person) usually by legal right: as

a

: to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from an election

b

: to provide legal representation to as a lawyer

c

: to act as the representative of in a class action

2

a

: to describe as having a specified character or quality

b

: to give one's impression and judgment of : state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment