representative

American  

[rep-ri-zen-tuh-tiv] / ˌrɛp rɪˈzɛn tə tɪv /

noun

• representatives
  plural

1. 

   a person or thing that represents another or others.

2. an agent or deputy.

   a legal representative.

3. a person who represents a constituency or community in a legislative body, especially a member of the U.S. House of Representatives or a lower house in certain state legislatures.

4. a typical example or specimen of a group, quality, or kind.

---

adjective

1. serving to represent; representing.

   Synonyms:

   characteristic, typical, exemplary, symbolic

2. standing or acting for another or others.

3. made up of representatives.

   a representative assembly.

4. Government. of or relating to a system of governance by chosen representatives, usually elected from among a large group, as in

5. exemplifying a group or kind; typical.

   a representative selection of Elizabethan plays.

6. corresponding to or replacing some other species or the like, as in a different locality.

7. of, relating to, or characteristic of representationalism.

8. pertaining to or of the nature of a mental image or representation.

representative British  

/ ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv /

noun

1. a person or thing that represents another or others

2. Often shortened to: rep.  a person who represents and tries to sell the products or services of a firm, esp a travelling salesman

3. a typical example

4. a person representing a constituency in a deliberative, legislative, or executive body, esp ( capital ) a member of the House of Representatives (the lower house of Congress) See also House of Representatives

5. a rugby player, football player, etc, chosen to represent a province in interprovincial sports

---

adjective

1. serving to represent; symbolic

2. 1. exemplifying a class or kind; typical

      a representative example of the species

   2. containing or including examples of all the interests, types, etc, in a group

      a representative collection

3. acting as deputy or proxy for another or others

4. acting for or representing a constituency or the whole people in the process of government

   a representative council

5. of, characterized by, or relating to the political principle of representation of the people

   representative government

6. of or relating to a mental picture or representation

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonrepresentative
  noun
• nonrepresentativeness
  noun
• overrepresentativeness
  noun
• representativeness
  noun
• unrepresentativeness
  noun
• overrepresentative
  adjective
• unrepresentative
  adjective
• nonrepresentatively
  adverb
• overrepresentatively
  adverb
• representatively
  adverb
• unrepresentatively
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• representatives
  plural

Etymology

Origin of representative

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (adjective), from Medieval Latin repraesentātīvus, from repraesentāt(us) “made present” ( see representation) + -īvus -ive

Explanation

If you're representative of some group, you're typical, you’re a lot like most of the others. You might also be a representative for your group; you were elected to act on behalf of those you represent. The U.S. and many other democracies have representative governments, in which voters elect people to act on their behalf — to represent them. In the U.S., the House of Representatives is the largest legislative body. Its members — congressmen and congresswomen — are elected by the voters of their districts. These representatives are supposed to listen to the views of the people from their districts and act in their best interests.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

representative representatives

The blockades in Frontignan and Fos-sur-Mer have been lifted, but Ange Natoli, a fishermen's representative, said he wanted to continue the movement until they were able to speak directly to Fisheries Minister Catherine Chabaud.

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

The Orígens Geopark has also created a website featuring many of the site's most representative fossils.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026

The teams are getting better, too—even the Ship Inn’s, said Pete Deakin, an Englishman who works to spread word of the sport in Scotland as the Marylebone club’s representative.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

A representative for the singer, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026

Stephen Foster, a representative of the Massachusetts delegation who had worked with Stanton for almost twenty years, stood and called for her resignation.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

As well as a mayor, or local government figure, the regional bodies could consist of an independent chair, experts, and representatives to cover affected sectors like transport and agriculture.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

The White House official said Dans is one of two commission members the law designates as representatives of “the interests of industry.”

From Salon ● Sep. 16, 2026

During a state hearing, industry representatives argued there was no evidence that energy drinks uniquely harm minors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

The guest list for the event in Toronto included representatives of Gulf investment agencies and major European banks, as well as Africa's richest man, Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote, along with US investors.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

A half hour later, Kaz returned with a message confirming that representatives from the Merchant Council would meet them on Vellgeluk at dawn the following day.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• agent
• commissioner
• counselor
• delegate
• deputy
• lawyer
• legislator
• member
• senator