Representative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
representative
[หrษprษชหzษntษtษชv ]
Definitions
in politics
A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for others; a member of a legislative body.
Synonyms
ambassador, delegate, spokesperson.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| representative |
Used in general contexts to describe someone who acts on behalf of a group, company, or organization. It can be formal or informal.
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| delegate |
Used in formal contexts to describe someone who is officially chosen to represent a group at a meeting or conference.
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| spokesperson |
Used for someone who speaks on behalf of an organization or group, often to the media or public. It implies a role of communication and public relations.
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| ambassador |
Used in diplomatic or very formal contexts to describe someone who represents a country, organization, or cause, often at an international level.
|
Examples of usage
- The representative of the company attended the meeting on behalf of the CEO.
- She was elected as the representative of her district in the parliament.
typical
Typical of a class, group, or body of opinion.
Synonyms
characteristic, exemplary, typical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| representative |
Used to describe someone or something that serves as an example or symbol for a group, idea, or class. Often applied in formal and official contexts.
|
| typical |
Describes something that is usual or common for a particular person, place, or thing. Often neutral and used in daily conversations.
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| characteristic |
Describes a feature or quality that is typical to a person, place, or thing, highlighting what is unique or distinctive about them.
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| exemplary |
Used when talking about someone or something that is so good it can be used as an example to follow; typically has a positive connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Her behavior was not representative of the company's values.
- This sample is not representative of the population as a whole.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Science
- In democracies, representatives are elected to voice the concerns of their constituents in legislative bodies.
- The concept of representation is foundational to political systems, highlighting the relationship between citizens and their government.
- There are different types of representation, including descriptive (reflecting constituents' characteristics) and substantive (advocating for constituents' interests).
Literature
- In storytelling, a character can be a representative of a particular social group or idea, reflecting broader themes and issues.
- Authors often use representative characters to highlight societal norms and challenge stereotypes in their works.
- Literature can showcase how representations influence perceptions of different communities or cultures.
Psychology
- The concept of representation is crucial in cognitive psychology, where mental representations help us understand and interact with the world.
- Representatives of a group can shape group identity and influence personal beliefs about that group by their actions.
- Research shows that seeing diverse representatives in media can enhance empathy and understanding of different cultures.
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, characters often serve as representatives of particular demographics or viewpoints, sparking discussions on diversity and inclusion.
- The rise of social media has allowed individuals to become representatives for causes, sharing experiences and advocating for change.
- Reality TV often blurs the lines of representation, where participants symbolize broader societal issues through their actions.
Origin of 'representative'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'repraesentare,' meaning 'to present again' or 'to exhibit' something.
- French adopted the word as 'reprรฉsentatif,' which influenced the modern English version.
- The use of the word dates back to the 15th century, reflecting the importance of speaking for others in governance and society.
The word 'representative' originated from the Latin word 'repraesentare', which means to present or exhibit. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to someone who stands in place of others or acts on their behalf. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, from political representation to being typical or characteristic of a group.
See also: misrepresent, represent, representable, representation, representational, representationalism, representations, representativeness, representatives, representing.