represent
represent
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "represent" is /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
rep: /rɛp/
/r/ as in "red"
/ɛ/ as in "bed"
/p/ as in "pen"
re: /rɪ/
/r/ as in "red"
/ɪ/ as in "bit"
sent: /zɛnt/
/z/ as in "zoo"
/ɛ/ as in "bed"
/n/ as in "nap"
/t/ as in "top"
Word Form Variations
represent: (verb) - the base form
represents: (verb, 3rd person singular present) - He/She/It represents...
represented: (verb, past tense/past participle) - They represented.../The issue was represented...
representing: (verb, present participle/gerund) - They are representing.../Representing the company...
representation: (noun) - a thing that represents something else; the action or process of representing or being represented.
representative: (adjective) - typical of a particular person, place, or thing; (noun) - a person chosen or appointed to represent a person or group.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb:
Definition 1: To stand for or symbolize something; to be a sign or embodiment of.
Synonyms: symbolize, signify, embody, depict, illustrate, portray, characterize
Antonyms: misrepresent, distort, belie, contradict, obscure
Definition 2: To act on behalf of someone or something; to speak or act with authority for another.
Synonyms: act for, speak for, advocate for, negotiate for, champion, front for
Antonyms: abandon, desert, disown, betray
Definition 3: To present or portray something in a particular way.
Synonyms: depict, portray, illustrate, describe, present, show
Antonyms: misrepresent, falsify, distort, conceal
Noun:
Definition 1: A person or thing that represents something else.
Synonyms: symbol, emblem, figure, image, delegate, agent
Antonyms: (difficult to find direct antonyms, but could be related to) original, source, reality
Definition 2: A person who acts on behalf of another, especially in a political or business context.
Synonyms: delegate, agent, spokesperson, envoy, proxy, intermediary
Antonyms: individual, independent, constituent (sometimes)
Definition 3: A depiction or portrayal of something.
Synonyms: portrayal, depiction, image, illustration, description, account
Antonyms: misrepresentation, distortion, falsification
Adjective:
Definition: Typical or characteristic of a particular person, place, or thing.
Synonyms: typical, characteristic, illustrative, exemplary, representative, symbolic
Antonyms: atypical, uncharacteristic, unusual, exceptional, anomalous
Examples of Use
Verb:
Book: "The painting seemed to represent a deep emotional struggle." (Fictional example, but reflects common usage in literature)
Newspaper: "The union represents over 5,000 workers in the manufacturing sector." (Reuters)
Online Publication: "This chart represents the growth of social media usage over the past decade." (Statista - often used in data journalism)
Entertainment (Film): "The actor represented his character with a quiet intensity." (Common usage when discussing acting performances)
Public Discourse: "The politician claims to represent the interests of the working class." (Heard frequently in political speeches and debates)
Noun (person/agent):
Newspaper: "The company's representative declined to comment on the allegations." (Associated Press)
Business Context: "Our sales representatives are trained to provide excellent customer service." (Common in job postings and business communication)
Public Discourse: "The student council is elected by the students to act as their representatives." (Used in discussions of governance and elections)
Noun (thing/symbol):
Book: "The dove is often used as a representation of peace." (Common usage in literature and discussions of symbolism)
Online Publication: "This graph is a visual representation of the company's profits." (Used in data visualization and reporting)
Entertainment (Video Games): "The in-game currency is a representation of real-world money." (Common in discussions of game mechanics)
Adjective:
Academic Text: "The data collected is representative of the larger population." (Frequently used in research papers and scientific studies)
Online Forum: "This is a representative sample of the kinds of questions we receive." (Common in online communities and forums)
Public Discourse: "We need policies that are representative of the diverse needs of our community." (Used in discussions of social issues and policy-making)
10 Famous Quotes Using Represent
“I represent truth, justice, and the American way.” — Superman (classic line from comic lore and film adaptations)
“I represent more than just myself. I represent every woman who's ever been told she can’t.” — Serena Williams (paraphrased from various interviews)
“To represent a movement, you must first understand its roots.” — Angela Davis (paraphrased from themes in her activism and speeches)
“I didn’t come here to play. I came to represent.” — Hip-hop culture (common in freestyle battles and music—used as a declarative stance)
“We represent the Lollipop Guild.” — The Wizard of Oz (1939) 🎶
“Don't represent yourself as something you're not. Be real, or be quiet.” — Original
“Every time you step out the door, you represent your name, your family, and your values. Dress accordingly.” — Original
“Art does not represent the visible; rather, it makes visible.” — Paul Klee (artist and theorist)
“Your vibe represents your tribe.” — Internet wisdom / modern mantra
“I represent for those who can’t be here to speak. I represent with every word I say.” — Original, inspired by activist and spoken word circles
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "represent" in a simple way.
"Represent" comes from two Latin words:
"re-": This prefix means "again" or "back." Think of words like "return" or "review."
"praesentare": This word means "to present," "to show," or "to make present." It's related to the word "present," as in a gift or being in a place.
So, if you put them together, "represent" literally means "to present again" or "to make present again." This might seem a bit odd at first, but it makes sense when you think about it. When you represent something, you're essentially bringing it forward again, making it present in a different form or context. You're re-presenting it.
The first known use of "represent" in English was in the late 14th century. At that time, it had a similar meaning to its Latin roots, referring to "showing" or "portraying" something. Over time, the meaning broadened to include acting on behalf of someone else, symbolizing something, or being a typical example of something. But all these meanings are connected to the core idea of making something present or showing it in some way.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Represent
Phrases (more literal):
Represent a threat: This phrase is commonly used, especially in political and security contexts.
Represent an opportunity: Used in business and strategic discussions.
Represent the interests of: Common in politics and advocacy.
Represent a significant challenge: Used in discussions of problems or obstacles.
Represent a wide range of opinions: Used when discussing surveys, polls, or diverse groups.
Represent the culmination of: Describes the end point of a process or effort.
Represent a departure from: Indicates a change or shift in strategy or approach.
Constructed or less common idioms/phrases (playing with the idea of representation):
Represent the unrepresented: This phrase highlights advocacy for marginalized groups.
Represent the voice of reason: This suggests acting as a spokesperson for logic and calm.
Represent in kind: This implies a reciprocal action or exchange.
Represent oneself: This phrase is used to describe how a person presents their own image or identity.
A representation of things to come: This phrase suggests something symbolic of future events.
Why "represent" isn't idiom-rich:
Idioms often arise from concrete, everyday actions being used metaphorically. "Represent" is already somewhat abstract. It doesn't describe a physical action in the same way that "run" or "break" do. It's more about a conceptual relationship between things. This abstract quality makes it harder to bend into a colorful, figurative idiom.
Idioms with synonyms (for a similar effect):
While not using "represent" directly, these idioms capture related concepts:
Carry the torch (for): Similar to "representing the interests of."
Speak for: A direct synonym in many contexts.
Stand for: Similar to "represent" in the sense of symbolizing or advocating.
Be a mouthpiece for: Similar to representing someone's views.
Hold a brief for: Similar to representing a client or cause.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of represent from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
