Meaning & Definition of word "Representative"

Representative

/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv/

noun:

  • 1. A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for others.
    • Example: The representative from the local council attended the meeting.
  • 2. A person who represents a certain group, organization, or constituency.
    • Example: She was elected as the representative for her district in the national assembly.
  • 3. A typical example of a particular category or group.
    • Example: The painting is a representative work of the impressionist movement.

adjective:

  • 1. Serving to represent or characterize.
    • Example: The representative sample provided adequate data for the research study.
  • 2. Typical of a group or class.
    • Example: He made a representative choice that aligned with the community's values.

Etymology

From Latin 'repraesentativus', meaning 'serving to represent'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sales representative:

A person whose job is to sell products or services for a company.

representative democracy:

A type of democracy where elected officials represent a group of people.

cultural representative:

A person who represents the interests or culture of a specific group.

Related Words

representation:

The action of representing or being represented.

represent:

To act or speak on behalf of someone or something.

representational:

Serving to represent or depict a subject.

Slang Meanings of representative