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to represent

to represent

835 2.7
Speak or act officially for someone, for example a lawyer
  • verb
  • /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt/
  • Formal
translation icon : representar a
  • As a senator, she was elected to represent the interests of her constituents.
  • represent the views
  • represent the interests
  • represent clients

You send citizens like you to represent you in office.

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Examples

  • Vote for me instead because I represent a new generation of leadership.

  • As the head of a congregation, the cleric represents the belief system of a group of people.

    Academic text (2012)
  • You send citizens like you to represent you in office.

  • And this is the state which should represent the general will, right?

  • Do you want to represent us in Europe?

  • If she wants you to represent her husband, say yes.

  • A police officer who represents the law tells his partner that he broke the law.

  • The content and positions in this article do not necessarily represent those of the funding agency.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Michael was just up for parole, and his family hired me to represent him.

  • If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish one.

Synonyms

to stand for
vsto represent
215 2.8

To publicly support an idea or cause

is used for acting or speaking officially for people or groups in formal settings
to defend
vsto represent
212 3.5

To act as a lawyer for someone in court

applies to acting or speaking officially in politics or organizations not only court work
to speak for
vsto represent
133 3.4

To say what another person or group thinks and wants

is used when someone acts officially for others in legal or organizational settings
to rep
vsto represent
  • Informal
8 7.0

To act for someone in public or show support for them

focuses on acting officially for groups in legal or organizational settings

How Effectively

to lobby
100 4.0
to champion
64 4.2
to advocate
343 3.7
to represent
  • Formal
835 2.7
to speak for
133 3.4

Surface Forms

represent infinitive
represented past participle
representing present participle
represents third person singular

Morphology

represent = present (semi-transparent) = re + present

While historically formed from 're' + 'present', the legal/official sense 'to act or speak for someone' is an institutional extension that is not obvious from 'present' alone for many learners.

Etymology

Represent comes from the Latin parts re- 'again' and praesentare 'to show' and is related to present. So to represent someone officially is to 'show' or speak for them as if standing in front of others.