Word
representational
Phoneticsrep·re·sen·ta·tion·al, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɹɛpɹəzənˈteɪʃənəɫ/
UK/ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntˈeɪʃənəl/
Definition
adj. describing art or images that show things as they look in real life. You use this to talk about paintings or drawings that clearly show people, objects, or places.
adj. relating to art that depicts the physical appearance of things in a recognisable way. Often contrasted with abstract art, where the subject matter is not immediately identifiable as a real-world object.
Examples
“The artist moved from abstract shapes to representational painting.”
“While many modern artists prefer total abstraction, she remains committed to representational work that captures the light on the local landscape.”
“The transition from purely representational sculpture to more symbolic forms marked a significant turning point in the development of early twentieth-century modernism.”
Examples
simple
“The artist moved from abstract shapes to representational painting.”
contextual
“While many modern artists prefer total abstraction, she remains committed to representational work that captures the light on the local landscape.”
complex
“The transition from purely representational sculpture to more symbolic forms marked a significant turning point in the development of early twentieth-century modernism.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “representational” in context.
Verb
01. become representational
“The sketches become more representational as the artist adds detail.”
verb + adj
02. remain representational
“Despite the influence of modernism, his paintings remain representational.”
verb + adj
03. representational in style
“Her early portraits were highly representational in style.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
04. purely representational
“The artist moved away from purely representational work toward total abstraction.”
adv + adj
05. strictly representational
“The gallery focuses on strictly representational art from the 19th century.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. representational art
“Representational art aims to depict the world as it appears to the eye.”
adj + noun
07. representational imagery
“The poet uses vivid representational imagery to describe the landscape.”
adj + noun
08. representational painting
“He is a master of representational painting, capturing every minute detail.”
adj + noun
09. shift away from representational
“There was a significant shift away from representational forms in the early 20th century.”
10. traditional representational style
“The mural was executed in a traditional representational style.”
Usage
Typically used in the context of visual arts and philosophy; often appears before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“It was while working in New York as a sign painter by day and an abstract painter by night that he had the idea to import the giant-scale, broadly painted representational pictures from outdoor advertising into the realm of fine art.” “The resurgence of representational painting, which focuses on visual reality as perceived by the eye, has reignited interest in urban landscapes as a vital artistic theme.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/representational