representative

Etymology

From Old French representatif.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛntətɪv/
• Hyphenation: rep‧re‧sen‧ta‧tive

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

representative (comparative more representative, superlative most representative)

1. Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.

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

   • Texas State Senator Carl Parker

     If you took all the fools out of the legislature, it wouldn't be a representative body anymore.

Noun

representative (plural representatives)

1. One who may speak for another in a particular capacity, especially in negotiation.

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

2. A member of a legislative or governing body who represents a constituency.

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

3. One that is taken as typical of its class.
4. (US, politics) A member of the US House of Representatives.

   All representatives face re-election every two years.

5. Company agent who visits potential purchasers, salesman.

Further reading

• "representative" in Raymond Williams, Keywords (revised), 1983, Fontana Press, page 266.

Adjective

representative

1. definite singular of representativ
2. plural form of representativ

Adjective

representative

1. definite singular of representativ
2. plural form of representativ