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representative Meaning & Definition

/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv/

What Does Representative Mean?

As an adjective, representative means Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group. It is also used to mean Representing, showing a likeness. As a noun, it means A delegate. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body. As a noun, it means A delegate.

Representative in Brief

Part of speechadjective, noun
Pronunciation/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv/
Synonymsemblematic, typical and instance
Antonymsnonrepresentative and unsymbolic
Pluralrepresentatives
Comparative / superlativemore representative, most representative

Representative Definition (Adjective)

  1. Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
  2. Representing, showing a likeness.

    Are you sure this paper is representative of your child's writing?

Representative as a Noun

  1. A delegate. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.

    She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.

  2. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.

    She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.

  3. One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity.

    I will send a representative to work out the details of the contract.

  4. An heir.
  5. Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives.

    All representatives face re-election every two years.

  6. A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman.
  7. A worker at a holiday resort who escorts guests and leads activities.
  8. Something standing for something else. Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment. A member of a particular class. Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type. A consistent choice of element from an equivalence class, used to identify it. A substitute or analogue.
  9. Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment.
  10. A member of a particular class. Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type. A consistent choice of element from an equivalence class, used to identify it.
  11. Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type.
  12. A consistent choice of element from an equivalence class, used to identify it.
  13. A substitute or analogue.

Noun

  1. A delegate.
  2. Something standing for something else.

Synonyms of Representative

Representative synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Representative

Representative in a Sentence

Are you sure this paper is representative of your child's writing?

the representative faculty of the human imagination

She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.

I will send a representative to work out the details of the contract.

All representatives face re-election every two years.

Word Forms & Grammar

representative (comparative more representative, superlative most representative)

representative (plural representatives)

Words That Rhyme With Representative

Origin of Representative

From Middle English representative, from Middle French representatif and its etymon Medieval Latin repraesentātīvus.[1] By surface analysis, represent +‎ -ative; See representation. Displaced native Old English spala (“a representative”).

Frequently Asked Questions About Representative

Is representative an adjective or a noun?

Representative is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.

What is another word for representative?

Close synonyms of representative are emblematic, typical and instance. See the full list of representative synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of representative?

Words opposite in meaning to representative are nonrepresentative and unsymbolic.

What is the plural of representative?

The plural of representative is representatives.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of representative?

The comparative form is more representative and the superlative form is most representative.

More About Representative On Meaning Stash

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