Skip to main content
representational process

representational process

7.9
A process in the mind where one thing stands for another, like a word for an idea
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : proceso representacional
  • The ability to imagine a tree when it is not present is a key example of a representational process.

Examples

  • Language relies on the representational process to let words stand for concepts.

  • Children engage in a representational process when they use drawings to express ideas.

  • In early childhood development, the representational process allows children to use symbols in play.

  • The representational process is vital for understanding abstract concepts.

  • In early childhood development, the representational process allows children to use symbols in play.

  • Language relies on the representational process to let words stand for concepts.

  • The ability to imagine a tree when it is not present is a key example of a representational process.

Synonyms

symbolizing
vsrepresentational process
  • US
4.9

The act of using a sign to show an idea, feeling, or belief

is broader, including mental ways that do not rely on a conventional sign

How Abstract

abstraction
25 8.0
representational process
  • Specialized
7.9
symbolization
  • US
7.5
imitation
19 3.0
depiction
25 4.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

representational + process

The compound is transparently built from 'represent(‑)' (to stand for) plus the adjectival suffix -ational meaning 'relating to representation', combined with 'process' (a sequence of steps). A B1 learner who knows the constituents can readily infer 'a process of representing' (i.e., a cognitive or representational process), and this compositional logic is common across languages.

Etymology

Representational process comes from the simple picture: representational means one thing stands for another, and process means it happens in the mind, like a child using a toy to 'stand for' a real car. So it means any thinking where something is used to 'represent' or 'stand for' something else.