# representing

/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛntɪŋ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/representing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. acting for others

verb · CEFR B1

acting or speaking on behalf of a person, group, or country.

For teachers: acting as an authorised advocate or delegate for a person, organisation, or state.

- She is representing her company at the international conference in London.
- The law firm is currently representing several plaintiffs in a high-profile class-action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant.

Usage: often used in legal or political contexts

### 2. depicting or showing

verb · CEFR B2

showing something in a picture, sign, or piece of art.

For teachers: depicting or portraying a subject through artistic or symbolic means.

- The painting was representing a peaceful scene in the countryside.
- The sculptor spent years perfecting the monument, representing the struggle for independence through abstract bronze forms.

### 3. symbolising

verb · CEFR B2

serving as a sign or symbol for something else.

For teachers: serving as a conventional sign or symbol for a concept, value, or entity.

- In this diagram, the red lines are representing the main roads.
- The olive branch has been a traditional motif representing peace and reconciliation across various Mediterranean cultures for centuries.

### 4. an act of representation

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the act of showing or speaking for someone.

For teachers: the action or instance of representing or being represented.

- The representing of these characters in the movie was very realistic.
- The accurate representing of historical data is essential for maintaining the integrity of the research project.

Usage: used as a gerund noun

## Examples

- She is representing her company at the international conference.
- The local council member is representing the concerns of the residents during the town hall meeting.
- By representing the diverse interests of the shareholders, the board ensures that the executive decisions align with the long-term goals of the corporation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.