represent

1 of 2

verb (1)

rep·​re·​sent ˌre-pri-ˈzent How to pronounce represent (audio)
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 adjective
representer noun

re-present

2 of 2

verb (2)

re-pre·​sent ˌrē-pri-ˈzent How to pronounce re-present (audio)
re-presented; re-presenting; re-presents

transitive verb

: to present again or anew
re-presentation
ˌrē-ˌprē-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce re-present (audio)
-ˌpre-zᵊn-
-ˌprē-zᵊn-
noun

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Oklahoma City has been touted by many as the favorites to represent the western conference in the NBA finals this season. Mikai Bruce, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Vancouver is in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, represented by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, where one of the most competitive House races in the country is taking place. Chris Boyette, CNN, 29 Oct. 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 See all Example Sentences for represent 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of represent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near represent

Cite this Entry

“Represent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/represent. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

represent

verb
rep·​re·​sent ˌrep-ri-ˈzent How to pronounce represent (audio)
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on represent

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