represent

[ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt]

represent Definition

• 1. to act or speak officially for someone or something
• 2. to be a sign or symbol of something
• 3. to describe or show something in a particular way, especially in art or literature

Using represent: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "represent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The lawyer will represent the defendant in court.

• Example

  The eagle represents strength and freedom in American culture.

• Example

  The painting represents a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

• Example

  The graph represents the data accurately.

represent Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for represent

• depict
• portray
• exhibit
• embody
• personify

Antonyms for represent

• misrepresent
• distort
• falsify

Idioms Using represent

• represent the tip of the iceberg

  to be a small visible part of a much larger problem or situation

  Example

  The recent outbreak of violence is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the underlying social issues.

• represent the best/worst of something

  to be a perfect example of the best/worst qualities of something

  Example

  This dish represents the best of Italian cuisine.

• represent a departure from something

  to be a significant change from something that came before

  Example

  The new policy represents a departure from the previous administration's approach.

Phrases with represent

• represent someone/something as

  to describe or portray someone or something in a particular way, often inaccurately or unfairly

  Example

  The media often represents politicians as corrupt and dishonest.

• represent oneself

  to act or speak on one's own behalf

  Example

  The defendant chose to represent himself in court.

• represent a challenge/opportunity

  to pose a challenge/opportunity or be seen as one

  Example

  The new project represents a great opportunity for the company to expand its business.

Origins of represent

from Old French 'représenter', from Latin 'repraesentare', from 're-' meaning 'again' + 'praesentare' meaning 'to present'

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Summary: represent in Brief

To 'represent' [ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt] is to act or speak officially for someone or something, to be a sign or symbol of something, or to describe or show something in a particular way. It can refer to legal representation, cultural symbolism, or artistic depiction, as in 'The painting represents a beautiful sunset over the ocean.' 'Represent' also appears in idioms like 'represent the tip of the iceberg,' indicating a small visible part of a larger problem.