represent definition

English

Etymology 1

From Old French représenter, from Latin repraesentō.

Alternative forms

• repræsent (archaic)

Pronunciation

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ɹɛp.ɹɪ.ˈzɛnt/

Verb

represent (third-person singular simple present represents, present participle representing, simple past and past participle represented)

1. (transitive) To present again or anew; to present by means of something standing in the place of; to exhibit the counterpart or image of; to typify.

   • Present definition

     Relating to now, for the time being; current. (1 of 8 present definitions)

   • Exhibit definition

     To display or show (something) for others to see, especially at an exhibition or contest. (1 of 5 exhibit definitions)

   • Typify definition

     To embody, exemplify; to represent by an image, form, model, or resemblance. (1 of 3 typify definitions)
2. (transitive) To portray visually; to delineate

   a picture can be represented in a landscape.

   The sculptor represented a horse in bronze.

   • Portray definition

     To paint or draw the likeness of. (1 of 4 portray definitions)

   • Delineate definition

     To sketch out, draw or trace an outline. (1 of 4 delineate definitions)
3. (transitive) To portray by mimicry or acting; to act the part or character of

   It has always been his dream to represent Hamlet on Broadway.

   Synonym: play

   • Mimicry definition

     The act or ability to simulate the appearance of someone or something else.

   • Play definition

     To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment. (1 of 24 play definitions)
4. (transitive) To stand or act in the place of; to perform the duties, exercise the rights, or otherwise act on behalf of

   He sent his agent to represent himself at the meeting.

   As he was too ill to accept the award, his brother represented him at the ceremony.

   An attorney's job is to represent his client in court

5. (politics, transitive) To act as a representative of (a country, state, district etc.)

   They chose a member of Congress to represent their district.

   • Politics definition

     A methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization, or a movement. (1 of 5 politics definitions)

   • Representative definition

     Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group. (1 of 2 representative definitions)

   • Congress definition

     The two legislative bodies of the United States: the House of Representatives and the Senate. (1 of 3 Congress definitions)
6. (transitive) To portray to another using language; to show; to give one's own impressions and judgement of

   He represented that he was investigating for the police department.

7. (transitive) To give an account of; to describe.
8. (transitive) To serve as a sign or symbol of

   The @ symbol represents the online world.

   A dove is often used to represent peace.

   • 1983, Richard Ellis, The Book of Sharks, Knopf, →ISBN, page 150:

     A person climbs a mountain, not only "because it is there," but also because it represents a fundamental and personal challenge.

9. (transitive) To bring a certain sensation of into the mind; to cause to be known, felt, or apprehended; to present.
10. (transitive) To form or image again in consciousness, as an object of cognition or apprehension (something presentative, which was originally apprehended by direct presentation).

    • Presentative definition

      Capable of being directly known by, or presented to, the mind; intuitive; directly understandable, as objects (1 of 7 presentative definitions)
11. (transitive) To constitute, to make up, to be an example of.
    • 2020 January 31, Penelope Walton Rogers, “Textile networks in Viking-age towns of Britain and Ireland”, in Stephen P. Ashby; Søren Sindbæk, editors, Crafts and Social Networks in Viking Towns‎^[1], →ISBN, page 101:

      Rounded stone and glass objects with fine radiating scratches on one surface represent the slickstones that were used in garment-making and laundry, to smooth the cloth and to press seams and pleats.

12. (sports, transitive) To participate as a team member

    • Sports definition

      plural of sport
13. (intransitive, African-American Vernacular) To constitute a good example or symbol of a group of people; to acquit oneself well.
    • 1999, Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg, Still D.R.E.

      I'm representing for the gangsters all across the world.

      Still hitting them corners in them low lows girl.

Synonyms

• (to constitute): form, make up; see also Thesaurus:compose

Derived terms

• under-represent, underrepresent

Related terms

• representability
• representable
• representation
• representative

Translations

Etymology 2

re- +‎ present.

Alternative forms

• re-present

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɹi(ː).pɹɪ.ˈzɛnt/

Verb

represent (third-person singular simple present represents, present participle representing, simple past and past participle represented)

1. (medicine) To present again, for instance for medical attention.

   represented to the emergency department

   • Medicine definition

     A substance which specifically promotes healing when ingested or consumed in some way. (1 of 10 medicine definitions)

   • Medical definition

     Of or pertaining to the practice of medicine. (1 of 5 medical definitions)

   • Attention definition

     Mental focus. (1 of 3 attention definitions)

Related terms

• representation

Further reading

• represent in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• represent in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• represent at OneLook Dictionary Search

Anagrams

• presenter, repenters