View synonyms for represent

represent

[rep-ri-zent]

verb (used with object)

  1. to serve to express, designate, stand for, or denote, as a word, symbol, or the like does; symbolize.

    In this painting the cat represents evil and the bird, good.

    Synonyms: exemplify
  2. to express or designate by some term, character, symbol, or the like.

    to represent musical sounds by notes.

  3. to stand or act in the place of, as a substitute, proxy, or agent does.

    He represents the company in Boston.

  4. to speak and act for by delegated authority.

    to represent one's government in a foreign country.

  5. to act for or in behalf of (a constituency, state, etc.) by deputed right in exercising a voice in legislation or government.

    He represents Chicago's third Congressional district.

  6. to portray or depict; present the likeness of, as a picture does.

    The painting represents him as a man 22 years old.

    Synonyms: delineate
  7. to present or picture to the mind.

  8. to present in words; set forth; describe; state.

  9. to set forth or describe as having a particular character (usually followed by as, to be, etc.).

    The article represented the dictator as a benevolent despot.

  10. to set forth clearly or earnestly with a view to influencing opinion or action or making protest.

  11. to present, produce, or perform, as on a stage.

  12. to impersonate, as in acting.

    Synonyms: portray
  13. to serve as an example or specimen of; exemplify.

    a genus represented by two species.

  14. to be the equivalent of; correspond to.

    The llama of the New World represents the camel of the Old World.



verb (used without object)

  1. to protest; make representations against.

  2. Slang.,  to use or display a secret handshake, sign, gesture, etc., for purposes of identification.

    The gang members always represent when they see one another.

represent

/ ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt /

verb

  1. to stand as an equivalent of; correspond to

    our tent represents home to us when we go camping

  2. to act as a substitute or proxy (for)

  3. to act as or be the authorized delegate or agent for (a person, country, etc)

    an MP represents his constituency

  4. to serve or use as a means of expressing

    letters represent the sounds of speech

  5. to exhibit the characteristics of; exemplify; typify

    romanticism in music is represented by Beethoven

  6. to present an image of through the medium of a picture or sculpture; portray

  7. to bring clearly before the mind

  8. to set forth in words; state or explain

  9. to describe as having a specified character or quality; make out to be

    he represented her as a saint

  10. to act out the part of on stage; portray

  11. to perform or produce (a play); stage

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • representable adjective
  • representability noun
  • nonrepresentable adjective
  • prerepresent verb (used with object)
  • unrepresentable adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of represent1

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English representen, from Middle French representer, from Latin repraesentāre “to bring about immediately, make present,” equivalent to re- re- ( def. ) + praesentāre “to present 2 ( def. )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of represent1

C14: from Latin repraesentāre to exhibit, from re- + praesentāre to present ²
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yellow and red smoke bombs representing grenade fire could be seen rising above power facilities scattered across the city.

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, representing the trio, said in written submissions that the cases should be heard in a single trial to avoid the men and Mr Spacey giving evidence more than once.

Read more on BBC

"As a young Lebanese woman living abroad, this visit represents a deep reassurance that Lebanon is not forgotten," the Australian-born Mazraani, 23, who works in sales and marketing, told AFP by telephone.

Read more on Barron's

Susan Pratt, a nurse who is also president of a union representing nurses in Toledo, Ohio, called the move “a smack in the face.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Spokesperson Karen McCole said those behind it did not represent the area or the city.

Read more on BBC

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ˌrepreˈhensionre-present