Representation: Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：representing (representation)

representation 🔊

/ˌrɛp.rɪ.zɛnˈteɪ.ʃən/

Acting or speaking officially for someone else or a group of people, like a spokesperson.

representing 🔊

➕

/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntɪŋ/

The act of speaking or acting officially for someone else, especially in a legal or formal context.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

re- (again) + present (to show) + -ation (noun suffix) => 'to present again', later evolved to acting for others.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 're' (again) + 'present' (to show) — a representative re-presents you again to others.

📖 Example

The lawyer's job is to provide representation for her client in court. 🔊 The lawyer's job is to provide representation for her client in court.

🔗 Collocations

legal representation – The act of being represented by a lawyer in legal matters.

political representation – The act of having elected officials speak on behalf of constituents.

have representation – To have someone act or speak on your behalf.

🔄 Synonyms

deputization (n.) – The act of appointing someone to act on your behalf.

agency (n.) – The capacity to act on behalf of another, often in business.

proxy (n.) – A person authorized to act for another.

🚫 Antonyms

non-representation (n.) – Lack of representation or being unrepresented.

direct participation (n.) – Acting on one's own behalf without intermediaries.

🌱 Derivatives

represent (v.) – To act or speak on behalf of someone.

representative (n./adj.) – A person who represents others; typical.

representational (adj.) – Relating to representation, especially in art or politics.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin repraesentare 'to present again', used in legal contexts since the 14th century to mean acting on behalf of another.