Representatives Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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representatives

[หŒrษ›prษชหˆzษ›ntษ™tษชvz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in politics

People chosen or appointed to act or speak on behalf of others, especially in a legislative assembly.

Synonyms

delegates, deputies, spokespersons.

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Word Description / Examples
representatives

Used to refer to people chosen or elected to speak or act on behalf of a group. This is a general term and can be used in various contexts such as politics, business, or community groups.

  • The company representatives met with the clients to discuss the new project
  • She was elected as one of the student representatives
delegates

Used specifically in formal settings where individuals are chosen to represent a group in a conference, meeting, or assembly. Often used in political or international contexts.

  • The delegates from all member states attended the summit
  • Each country sent its delegates to negotiate the terms of the treaty
deputies

Used primarily in contexts where individuals serve as second-in-command or act in the absence of a superior. Commonly used in government, law enforcement, and organizations.

  • The deputy mayor addressed the issue in the mayorโ€™s absence
  • She was appointed as the deputy director of the organization
spokespersons

Used to refer to individuals who are officially chosen to speak on behalf of an organization, government, or group, especially in media or public relations.

  • The spokesperson for the company issued a statement regarding the incident
  • She is the spokesperson for the environmental advocacy group

Examples of usage

  • The representatives in Congress debate and vote on new laws.
  • She was elected as the student representative for her class.
  • The company sent representatives to negotiate the contract.
  • The union representatives met with the management to discuss the workers' demands.
  • The representatives of the different political parties clashed during the debate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Politics

  • In modern democracies, representatives are often elected to make decisions on behalf of their constituents.
  • The concept of representation dates back to the Magna Carta in 1215, which limited the powers of the monarchy and began the tradition of political representation.
  • Many countries have systems like parliamentary or congressional representation where different representatives form a governing body.

Education

  • Students often elect representatives, such as a student council president, to voice their opinions in school matters.
  • Class representatives help bridge the gap between students and teachers, ensuring everyone's voice is heard.
  • Various educational programs teach students about civic duty and the importance of having representatives in a community.

Business

  • In business, sales representatives act as intermediaries between a company and its customers, conveying needs and preferences.
  • Representatives may also refer to agents who manage contracts, negotiate deals, and communicate company policies to clients.
  • The role of brand representatives has grown with marketing strategies, focusing on personal connections with consumers.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, traditional representatives, such as chiefs or elders, play vital roles in decision-making and maintaining customs.
  • Cultural representatives often participate in international events, showcasing art, food, and traditions to promote understanding and dialogue.
  • The idea of representation influences social movements, where groups advocate for being represented in media, politics, and society.

Origin of 'representatives'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repraesentare,' which means 'to present again' or 'to show.'
  • It was first used in English around the late 14th century, originally referring to a person who stands in for others in a legal or official capacity.
  • The prefix 're-' indicates repetition or returning, while 'presentative' relates to presenting or showcasing.

The word 'representatives' originated from the Latin word 'representare', which means 'to present, show, portray'. The concept of representatives dates back to ancient civilizations, where individuals were chosen to represent a group or community in decision-making processes. The role of representatives has evolved over time, becoming an essential part of democratic systems around the world.


See also: misrepresent, represent, representable, representation, representational, representationalism, representations, representative, representativeness, representing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,865, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.