Representing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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representing

[หŒrษ›prษชหˆzษ›ntษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in politics

Serving as a symbol or embodiment of something; standing for or acting on behalf of something or someone.

Synonyms

embodying, personifying, symbolizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
representing

Used similarly to the first entry but this time emphasizing artistic or visual depictions.

  • This painting is representing the harsh realities of life in the countryside.
  • The logo is representing the company's values and mission.
symbolizing

Used when discussing something that serves as a symbol or stands for an abstract idea or concept, usually in a more figurative or poetic sense.

  • The dove is symbolizing peace.
  • The broken chains are symbolizing freedom from oppression.
personifying

Used when attributing human qualities or characteristics to something non-human, or when someone or something is the perfect example of a particular quality.

  • In the story, the fox is personifying cunning and intelligence.
  • He is personifying courage by standing up for what he believes in.
embodying

Used when discussing someone or something that fully and completely displays or brings to life an idea, quality, or principle.

  • She is embodying the spirit of generosity by volunteering every weekend.
  • The new policy is embodying the company's commitment to sustainability.

Examples of usage

  • She is representing her country at the international summit.
  • The elected official is representing the interests of his constituents.
Context #2 | Verb

in art

Depicting or portraying something in a specific way.

Synonyms

depicting, illustrating, portraying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
representing

Used when talking about standing in for someone or something, or symbolizing an idea, group, or concept.

  • She was representing her company at the conference
  • The dove is often representing peace
depicting

Typically used in artistic contexts, such as painting, drawing, or describing scenes and characters vividly in writing.

  • The painting is depicting a serene landscape
  • His novel is depicting life in the 19th century
portraying

Used in contexts involving acting, descriptions, or artistic representations of people, characters, or personalities. Sometimes carries a connotation of accurately capturing the essence.

  • The actor is portraying a famous historical figure
  • The book is portraying the struggles of the working class
illustrating

Often used when explaining or clarifying information with examples, diagrams, or pictures.

  • The teacher is illustrating the concept with a diagram
  • The book is illustrating how to cook various dishes

Examples of usage

  • The painting is representing the beauty of nature.
  • The sculpture represents the artist's emotions.
Context #3 | Verb

in mathematics

Expressing or describing a quantity or value in a particular form or way.

Synonyms

depicting, describing, expressing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
representing

Used when talking about acting or speaking on behalf of someone or something, often in formal or official settings.

  • He is representing the company at the conference.
  • The lawyer is representing the defendant in court.
expressing

Used when talking about conveying or communicating thoughts, feelings, or emotions, often through words, art, or actions.

  • She is expressing her gratitude through a letter.
  • He had trouble expressing his emotions.
describing

Used when giving a detailed account or explanation of something or someone, usually with the aim of making it clear to others.

  • He is describing the process step by step.
  • She is describing her experience at the concert.
depicting

Best used when talking about illustrating or showing something through art, images, or detailed descriptions.

  • The mural is depicting a battle scene.
  • The novel is depicting life in the 19th century.

Examples of usage

  • The equation represents the relationship between the variables.
  • The graph represents the data visually.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Politics

  • In democratic systems, elected officials represent the views and needs of their constituents.
  • Representing can also refer to ambassadors or diplomats who act on behalf of their country in international matters.
  • Representation ensures that diverse voices are included in decisions that affect people's lives.

Art and Literature

  • Artists often use symbols to represent complex ideasโ€”like using a dove to represent peace.
  • In literature, characters often represent broader themes or societal issues, enabling deeper understanding of the narrative.
  • The act of representing in art can influence public perception and provoke emotional responses.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology studies how people mentally represent objects and ideas, influencing memory and decision-making.
  • Representations in the mind can affect how we perceive reality and interact with the world.
  • Understanding how we represent our thoughts can lead to insights in behavior and communication.

Education

  • In educational contexts, representing ideas visually (like through diagrams) can enhance understanding and retention.
  • Teachers often use representations to simplify complex concepts, making them more accessible to students.
  • Group projects allow students to represent their individual ideas while collaborating to achieve a common goal.

Origin of 'representing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repraesentare', meaning 'to present again' or 'to show'.
  • In medieval Latin, 'representare' referred to an idea of showing or describing something.
  • The prefix 're-' means 'again', while 'present' indicates 'to show or display'.

The word 'representing' originates from the Latin word 'repraesentare', which means 'to show, present, exhibit'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from politics to art to mathematics, to convey the idea of symbolizing or depicting something. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and applications.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,282, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.