represent
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to speak or act officially for another person, a group, or a country.
to act as a proxy or agent for a person, organization, or constituency, especially in a legal or political capacity.
Simple“The lawyer was hired to represent the family in court.”
In context“The local councillor was elected to represent the interests of the residents during the urban planning committee meetings.”
UsageTransitive; takes a direct object representing the person or group being served.
Synonymsspeak foract for - 02 B1 Intermediate
to be a sign or symbol of something else.
to serve as a conventional sign, symbol, or emblem for an abstract concept or entity.
Simple“In this painting, the dove is used to represent peace.”
In context“The various colours on the national flag represent the diverse cultural heritages that unified to form the modern republic.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to show something in a picture, a book, or a play.
to portray or depict someone or something in a specific way through artistic or linguistic means.
Simple“The map represents the city as it looked one hundred years ago.”
In context“The documentary was criticized for failing to represent the complexity of the historical events accurately.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make up a certain amount or part of a whole group.
to constitute or make up a specific proportion or example of a larger set.
Simple“Small businesses represent about half of the country's economy.”
In context“These findings represent a significant breakthrough in our understanding of how the virus replicates within human cells.”
Synonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
to take part in a sports event for a particular team or country.
to participate in a competition as a member of a specific team or national squad.
Simple“She was proud to represent her country in the Olympic Games.”
In context“After years of rigorous training, the athlete finally earned the opportunity to represent the national team at the world championships.”
Synonymsplay forcompete for - 06 C2 Proficiency
to go back to a doctor or hospital with the same health problem.
to return to a medical facility for further evaluation of a previously noted condition.
Simple“The patient was told to represent if the pain became worse.”
In context“Clinical guidelines suggest that patients who represent with recurring symptoms within forty-eight hours should be admitted for observation.”
UsageOften used intransitively in medical contexts.
Synonyms
Usage represents one · represents a new · represents the first
From Old French représenter, from Latin repraesentō.
From re- + present.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.