represent

verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French representer, from Latin repraesentare, from re- + praesentare to present Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. to bring clearly before the mind ; present <

a book which represents the character of early America

> 2. to serve as a sign or symbol of <

the flag represents our country

> 3. to portray or exhibit in art ; depict 4. to serve as the counterpart or image of ; typify <

a movie hero who represents the ideals of the culture

> 5. a. to produce on the stage b. to act the part or role of 6. a. (1) to take the place of in some respect (2) to act in the place of or for usually by legal right (3) to manage the legal and business affairs of <

athletes represented by top lawyers and agents

> b. to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from election 7. to describe as having a specified character or quality <

represents himself as a friend

> 8. a. to give one's impression and judgment of ; state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment b. to point out in protest or remonstrance 9. to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of 10. a. to form an image or representation of in the mind b. (1) to apprehend (an object) by means of an idea (2) to recall in memory 11. to correspond to in essence ; constitute intransitive verb 1. to make representations against something ; protest 2. slang to perform a task or duty admirably ; serve as an outstanding example • representable adjective • representer noun