representative
//ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv//
Forms
- Comparative
- more representative
- Superlative
- most representative
- Plural
- representatives
Definitions
1.Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
- If you took all the fools out of the legislature, it wouldn't be a representative body anymore.
2.Representing, showing a likeness.
- Are you sure this paper is representative of your child's writing?
1.A delegate.
- All representatives face re-election every two years.
- I will send a representative to work out the details of the contract.
- She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.
2.Something standing for something else.
- The furniture was the same when she married.[ ].The only representatives of to-day, were two large and comfortable arm-chairs, and a few elegant-looking trifles, the work of the Misses Granard.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2137
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English representative, from Middle French representatif and its etymon Medieval Latin repraesentātīvus.
By surface analysis, represent + -ative; See representation.
Displaced native Old English spala (“a representative”).