WordGarden.iorepresentative
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˌɛprɪzˈɛntətˌɪv/
US
- /ˌrɛprəˈzɛnətɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
typical of a larger group or showing what it is usually like
based on elected people acting on behalf of the public rather than direct participation
Noun
a person chosen or employed to speak or act for another person, company, or group
an elected member of a legislature, especially the House of Representatives
Beyond the definition
Think about a school class choosing someone to speak for them—that person is a representative! It means they speak for the group or show what the group is like. A representative isn't just any example, but one that gives you a good idea of what the whole thing is like. For instance, a juicy red apple might be considered representative of a certain orchard's harvest. Similarly, elected officials are representatives who act on behalf of their voters. It can also mean "typical"—a rainy day in Seattle is representative of the city's usual climate.
The word representative has several layers of meaning, but at its core, it is about standing for or embodying something else. Most commonly, we think of it as a noun describing someone who acts on behalf of others—like an elected political representative who voices the concerns of their community. They are chosen to represent those people and make decisions in their best interests.
However, representative also serves as an adjective to describe something that is typical or characteristic of a larger group. For example, if "the artwork on display was representative of the local art scene," it means the pieces showcased the styles and themes common among artists in that area. Similarly, a sample taken from a batch of cookies is considered representative if it accurately reflects the taste and texture of the entire batch.
It can also mean symbolic. The bald eagle is representative of American freedom, embodying ideals like strength and independence. In the field of statistics, a representative sample is one that accurately reflects the diverse characteristics of the entire population being studied. So, whether it's a person speaking for others, an example showcasing a larger group, or a symbol embodying certain qualities, representative always points to something standing in for, or reflecting, something bigger than itself.
Examples
- 1
Company contact
A company representative called me about the order.
- 2
Customer service
If you have a complaint, speak to a customer service representative.
- 3
Workplace meeting
Each department sent a representative to the meeting.
- 4
Politics
Local representatives voted against the bill.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School board
She was chosen as the students' representative on the school board.
- 6
Survey sample
This survey isn't representative of the whole city.
- Patternrepresentative of + group
accurately showing what a larger group is like
- 7
Regional food
The dishes on the menu are representative of the region's cooking style.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- elected representative
- sales representative
- representative of
Word family
Explore
- delegation
- representation in government
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- representativenounadjective
Forms
- representativespluralnounadjective