represent

Universal Words verb act / speak for sb 1 [VN] [oftenpassive] to be a member of a group of people and act or speak on their behalf at an event, a meeting, etc: The competition attracted over 500 contestants representing 8 different countries. * Local businesses are well represented on the committee (= there are a lot of people from them on the committee). * The opening speech was by Bob Alan representing Amnesty International. * The President was represented at the ceremony by the Vice-President. 2 [VN] to act or speak officially for sb and defend their interests: The union represents over 200000 teachers. * The association was formed to represent the interests of women artists. * Ms Dale is representing the defendant (= is his / her lawyer) in the case. * As an MP, it is my duty to represent my constituents. be equal to 3 linking verb [V-N] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be sth SYNCONSTITUTE: This contract represents 20% of the company's annual revenue. * This decision represents a significant departure from previous policy. * He got rid of anyone who represented a challenge to his authority. * The peace plan represents (= is the result of) weeks of negotiation. * These results represent a major breakthrough in Aids research. be example of 4 [VN] [nopassive] to be an example or expression of sth: a project representing all that is good in the community * Those comments do not represent the views of us all. be symbol 5 [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a symbol of sth SYNSYMBOLIZE: Each colour on the chart represents a different department. * Wind direction is represented by arrows. * The artist uses doves to represent peace. in picture 6 ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to show sb/sth, especially in a picture SYNDEPICT: [VN] The carvings represent a hunting scene. * The Egyptian goddess is represented as a woman with cow's horns. * The map represents Italy in the 12th century. * The results are represented in fig.3 below. [also VN-ing] describe 7 [VN] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to present or describe sb/sth in a particular way, especially when this may not be fair: The king is represented as a villain in the play. * The risks were represented as negligible. make formal statement 8 ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to make a formal statement to sb in authority to make your opinions known or to protest: [VN] They represented their concerns to the authorities. [also Vthat]