represent

—representable, adj. —representability, n.

/rep'ri zent"/, v.t.

1. to serve to express, designate, stand for, or denote, as a word, symbol, or the like does; symbolize: In this painting the cat represents evil and the bird, good.

2. to express or designate by some term, character, symbol, or the like: to represent musical sounds by notes.

3. to stand or act in the place of, as a substitute, proxy, or agent does: He represents the company in Boston.

4. to speak and act for by delegated authority: to represent one's government in a foreign country.

5. to act for or in behalf of (a constituency, state, etc.) by deputed right in exercising a voice in legislation or government: He represents Chicago's third Congressional district.

6. to portray or depict; present the likeness of, as a picture does: The painting represents him as a man 22 years old.

7. to present or picture to the mind.

8. to present in words; set forth; describe; state.

9. to set forth or describe as having a particular character (usually fol. by as, to be, etc.): The article represented the dictator as a benevolent despot.

10. to set forth clearly or earnestly with a view to influencing opinion or action or making protest.

11. to present, produce, or perform, as on a stage.

12. to impersonate, as in acting.

13. to serve as an example or specimen of; exemplify: a genus represented by two species.

14. to be the equivalent of; correspond to: The llama of the New World represents the camel of the Old World.

v.i.

15. to protest; make representations against.

16. Slang. to use or display a secret handshake, sign, gesture, etc., for purposes of identification: The gang members always represent when they see one another.

[1325-75; ME representen < MF representer < L repraesentare to bring about immediately, make present, equiv. to re- RE- + praesentare to PRESENT²]

Syn. 1. exemplify. 6. delineate. 12. portray.

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