Definition

1. Noun:
   • An activity that stands as an equivalent of something or results in an equivalent: The act of depicting, portraying, or symbolizing something else.
   • The right of being represented by delegates who have a voice in some legislative body: The principle or system of having elected officials act on behalf of a group of people.
   • A statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting: A formal statement, often of a complaint or argument.
   • A performance of a play: The act of performing a theatrical work.
   • A factual statement made by one party to induce another to enter a contract: A declaration or assertion in a legal or business context that influences an agreement.
   • A body of legislators that serve on behalf of some constituency: The collective group of elected officials representing a particular area.
   • The state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent: The condition or capacity of acting for someone with authority.
   • The act of representing; standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf: The action of acting as a substitute or advocate.
   • A creation that is a visual or tangible rendering of someone or something: A physical or artistic depiction, such as a painting, model, or image.
   • A presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image: A mental concept, thought, or internal image.

Usage Examples

• As an equivalent or depiction:
  • The map is a representation of the country's geography.
  • This statue is a representation of the goddess Athena.
• In government and law:
  • Taxation without representation was a major cause of the American Revolution.
  • The lawyer made a representation to the court on behalf of her client.
• In arts and performance:
  • The evening's representation of 'Hamlet' was superb.
• In business and contracts:
  • The contract includes a representation that the equipment is in good working order.
• As a mental concept:
  • His representation of the event differed greatly from mine.

Advanced Usage

• "Proportional representation": An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.
  • The country uses a system of proportional representation.
• "Legal representation": The act of being represented by a lawyer in court.
  • Everyone has the right to legal representation.
• "Under-representation": The condition of having insufficient representatives or presence.
  • There is an under-representation of women in senior management.

Variants and Related Words

• Represent (v): To stand for, depict, or act on behalf of.
  • This symbol represents peace.
• Representative (n/adj): (n) A person chosen to act for others; (adj) Typical of a class or group.
  • She is our elected representative. This is a representative sample.
• Representational (adj): Relating to or characterized by representation, especially in art.
  • The painting is representational, not abstract.
• Misrepresentation (n): The action of giving a false or misleading account.
  • The lawsuit was based on misrepresentation of the facts.

Synonyms

• Depiction: A portrayal in art or words.
• Portrayal: A description or representation of someone or something.
• Symbol: A thing that represents or stands for something else.
• Delegate: A person sent to represent others.
• Statement: A definite or clear expression in speech or writing.

Related Phrases

• Make representations to: To make a formal statement or complaint to an authority.
  • The group will make representations to the council about the new policy.
• In representation of: Acting as a representative for.
  • He spoke in representation of the entire department.

Related Idioms

• A fair representation: An accurate or just depiction.
  • The film is a fair representation of life in the city.
• Token representation: Inclusion of a small number of people from a particular group to give the appearance of fairness, without real power or influence.
  • The committee's diversity was merely token representation.

Noun

1. an activity that stands as an equivalent of something or results in an equivalent
2. the right of being represented by delegates who have a voice in some legislative body
3. a statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting
   • certain representations were made concerning police brutality
4. a performance of a play
5. a factual statement made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract
   • the sales contract contains several representations by the vendor
6. a body of legislators that serve in behalf of some constituency
   • a Congressional vacancy occurred in the representation from California
7. the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent
8. the act of representing; standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf
9. a creation that is a visual or tangible rendering of someone or something
10. a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image