What does "representation" mean?
That which represents something else.
Representation
/ˌɹɛp.ɹə.zɛnˈteɪ.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which represents something else.
- Grammar: representation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abstract, abstract entity, abstraction, account.
- Useful contrasts: fact, nonrepresentation, reality.
- Usage evidence: This painting is a representation of a storm at sea.
How to use "representation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "representation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "representation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "representation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "representation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "representation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abstract" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "representation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which represents something else. countable, uncountable
"The Venus of Willendorf was an early representation of the female body."
- 2 An act of representing, i.e. presenting again.
"rates of representation to the emergency department"
- 3 an activity that stands as an equivalent of something or results in an equivalent wordnet
- 4 The act of representing. countable, uncountable
"We are no longer happy with your representation of our company at trade events."
- 5 the act of representing; standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf wordnet
Show 15 more definitions
- 6 The appearance(s) of a particular demographic group in a piece of media, particularly in regards to how such appearances are treated. broadly, uncountable
- 7 a creation that is a visual or tangible rendering of someone or something wordnet
- 8 The lawyers and staff who argue on behalf of another in court. countable, uncountable
"People who cannot afford representation are eligible for government assistance."
- 9 the right of being represented by delegates who have a voice in some legislative body wordnet
- 10 The ability to elect a representative to speak on one's behalf in government; the role of this representative in government. countable, uncountable
"The lack of representation in the British parliament was one of the main factors behind the American Revolution."
- 11 a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image wordnet
- 12 An action of some algebraic structure (typically a group or algebra, particularly a Lie algebra) on a vector space, such that each element acts by a linear endomorphism. countable, uncountable
- 13 a statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting wordnet
- 14 A figure, image or idea that substitutes reality. countable, uncountable
- 15 a performance of a play wordnet
- 16 A theatrical performance. countable, uncountable
- 17 a factual statement made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract wordnet
- 18 A statement; a presentation of opinion or position, or an utterance made to influence the opinions or actions of others countable, uncountable
- 19 a body of legislators that serve in behalf of some constituency wordnet
- 20 the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"This painting is a representation of a storm at sea."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "representation"?
Common synonyms include: abstract, abstract entity, abstraction, account, acting, advocacy.
How do you use "representation" in a sentence?
This painting is a representation of a storm at sea.
How do you pronounce "representation"?
Pronounced /ˌɹɛp.ɹə.zɛnˈteɪ.ʃən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Late Middle English representacioun, from Old French representacion, from Latin repraesentātiō. By surface analysis, represent + -ation.
Etymology 2
From re- + presentation.