ENGLISH
REFERENCE

agent

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈeɪdʒənt// UK //ˈeɪdʒənt// agent General-service

n. a person who acts on behalf of another person or group. You might hire this person to help you find a job, sell a house, or manage your business.

n. a person or entity authorised to act on behalf of another, known as the principal, to create legal relations with a third party. Often used in commercial contexts such as real estate, talent management, or insurance.


SIMPLE

The travel agent booked our flights and hotel for the summer trip.

CONTEXTUAL

After reading the first three chapters of the manuscript, the literary agent offered to represent the author.

COMPLEX

Under the law of agency, the agent must act in the best interests of the principal and avoid any conflicts of interest that could compromise their fiduciary duty.

Synonyms
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Latin agēnsder. English agent From Latin agēns, present active participle of agere (“to drive, lead, conduct, manage, perform, do”).

Usage

Commonly followed by 'for' to indicate the person or organization being represented.

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