Representative Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/rɪprɪzəntətɪv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who acts or speaks on behalf of another or of a group, organization, or government, often with formal authority and responsibility.

Examples

• The ambassador is a representative of her country in the international community.
• The CEO is a representative of the company at the board meeting.

Synonyms

• Agent
• Proxy
• Diplomat

Antonyms

• Actor
• Agent of Change

Additional Information

A representative can be a formal or informal designation, and can be used in a wide range of contexts, from business and politics to sports and entertainment. In many cases, a representative must have a strong understanding of the organization, group, or individual they are representing, and must be able to communicate effectively on their behalf.

Etymology

The word “representative” comes from the Latin “representare,” meaning “to show again” or “to present once more.”

Usage Notes

When using the term “representative,” it is important to clarify what it refers to – whether it is a person, a group, or an organization. It is also important to recognize that a representative does not always act on behalf of the individual being represented, but rather is often bound by specific rules, regulations, or guidelines.

Cultural References

The term “representative” has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “1984” by George Orwell, the character of Winston Smith is a representative of the ruling party, while in the film “The Imitation Game” (2014), the character of Alan Turing is a representative of the British government during World War II.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “representative” include:

• “Representative of the community”
• “Representative of the government”
• “Representative of the organization”

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases to the term “representative” include:

• “Proximate”
• “Proxy”
• “Delegate”

Collocations

Some common word combinations with the term “representative” include:

• “Representative of the people”
• “Representative from the company”
• “Representative of the nation”

Frequency of Use

The term “representative” is widely used in modern language, particularly in political, business, and academic contexts.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “representative” include:

• “Representitive”
• “Reprentative”
• “Reperesentative”