representation meaning for dummies

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Definition of representation – Learner’s Dictionary

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representation noun ( SPEAKING FOR )

Representation noun ( showing ).

(Definition of representation from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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of or relating to birds

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Definition of 'representation'

• representation

Video: pronunciation of representation

representation in American English

Representation in british english, examples of 'representation' in a sentence representation, related word partners representation, trends of representation.

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In other languages representation

• American English : representation / rɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən /
• Brazilian Portuguese : representação
• Chinese : 代表
• European Spanish : representación
• French : représentation
• German : Vertretung
• Italian : rappresentanza
• Japanese : 代表
• Korean : 대표
• European Portuguese : representação
• Spanish : representación
• Thai : การมีตัวแทน

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Definition of representation noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

representation

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• 3 representations [ plural ] ( formal ) formal statements made to someone in authority, especially in order to make your opinions known or to protest We have made representations to the mayor but without success.

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representation noun 1

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What does the noun representation mean?

There are 19 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun representation , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

representation has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

How common is the noun representation ?

How is the noun representation pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun representation come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun representation is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for representation is from around 1450, in St. Elizabeth of Spalbeck .

representation is of multiple origins. Either (i) a borrowing from French. Or (ii) a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: French representation ; Latin repraesentātiōn- , repraesentātiō .

Nearby entries

• reprehensory, adj. 1576–1825
• repremiation, n. 1611
• represent, n. a1500–1635
• represent, v.¹ c1390–
• re-present, v.² 1564–
• representable, adj. & n. 1630–
• representamen, n. 1677–
• representance, n. 1565–
• representant, n. 1622–
• representant, adj. 1851–82
• representation, n.¹ c1450–
• re-presentation, n.² 1805–
• representational, adj. 1850–
• representationalism, n. 1846–
• representationalist, adj. & n. 1846–
• representationary, adj. 1856–
• representationism, n. 1842–
• representationist, n. & adj. 1842–
• representation theory, n. 1928–
• representative, adj. & n. a1475–
• representative fraction, n. 1860–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for representation, n.¹.

representation, n.¹ was revised in December 2009.

representation, n.¹ was last modified in March 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into representation, n.¹ in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1906)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

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Citation details

Factsheet for representation, n.¹, browse entry.

representation

Dictionary definition of representation

The act or process of presenting or depicting something in a particular way. "The film director aimed to provide an authentic representation of a historical event."

Detailed meaning of representation

It involves creating a visual, auditory, or conceptual portrayal that stands in for or symbolizes an object, idea, or concept. Representations can take various forms, such as images, symbols, words, or models, and are often used to convey information, convey meaning, or communicate complex ideas. They serve as a means of understanding and interpreting the world around us, allowing us to make sense of abstract or intangible concepts by giving them a tangible form. Representations are fundamental in fields like art, literature, mathematics, and science, where they enable us to grasp and communicate complex concepts, relationships, and phenomena. They play a crucial role in human cognition, enabling us to perceive, analyze, and communicate our experiences, knowledge, and perspectives effectively.

Example sentences of representation

1. The artist used vibrant colors in her representation of a serene landscape. 2. The lawyer argued that the defendant's confession was not an accurate representation of the events. 3. The company hired a marketing agency to create a visually appealing representation of their brand. 4. The map provided a clear representation of the hiking trails in the national park. 5. The statue was a remarkable representation of the city's cultural heritage. 6. The painting served as a powerful representation of the artist's emotions.

History and etymology of representation

The noun 'representation' draws its etymological roots from the Latin word 'representatio,' which is a combination of 're,' meaning 'again' or 'back,' and 'presentatio,' derived from 'praesentare,' meaning 'to present' or 'to show.' In Latin, 'representatio' signified the act of presenting something again or depicting it in a particular manner. As the term evolved into English, it retained this fundamental concept, referring to the act or process of presenting or depicting something in a specific way. The etymology of 'representation' underscores the idea of showing or presenting something anew, emphasizing how information or concepts can be conveyed through visual, symbolic, or verbal means to convey a particular perspective or portrayal.

Find the meaning of representation

Further usage examples of representation.

1. The graph provided a visual representation of the data trends. 2. The actor's portrayal of the character was a true representation of his talent. 3. The museum displayed an extensive representation of ancient artifacts. 4. The political party claimed to be a true representation of the people's interests. 5. The teacher used a diagram as a representation to explain the complex scientific concept. 6. The painting offered a vivid representation of a sun-drenched landscape. 7. Legal representation is essential in complex court cases. 8. The sculpture provided a striking representation of human emotion. 9. The committee discussed fair representation in the election. 10. Her speech was a powerful representation of women's rights. 11. The map provides a clear representation of geographical features. 12. The movie's casting was criticized for a lack of diversity in representation. 13. The data visualization offered a graphical representation of trends. 14. Art has the power to offer abstract representation of feelings. 15. The student's project included a detailed representation of the solar system. 16. The novel's characters serve as a representation of different personality types. 17. The exhibit featured an interactive representation of ancient history. 18. In democracy, representation of the people's voices is paramount. 19. The documentary explored the media's representation of political events. 20. The museum displayed a historical representation of the local culture. 21. Accurate representation in textbooks is crucial for education. 22. The artist's portfolio showcases a wide range of artistic representations. 23. Fair representation in decision-making is essential for social justice. 24. The infographic provided a simplified representation of complex data. 25. His artwork challenged traditional representations of beauty.

Quiz categories containing representation

Multiple Choice

Opposite Words

Same/different

Spelling Bee

depiction,illustration,image,interpretation,manifestation,reflection,rendering

eb68db_c02cdae26af643f690fae0862cdb6dae.mp3

depiction, misrepresentation, distortion, falsification

embodiment,exhibit,expression,portrayal,symbol

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Definition of represent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

Definition of re-present  (Entry 2 of 2)

• characterize

Examples of represent in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'represent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Anglo-French representer , from Latin repraesentare , from re- + praesentare to present

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

1564, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near represent

reprehensory

Cite this Entry

“Represent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/represent. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of represent, legal definition, legal definition of represent, more from merriam-webster on represent.

Nglish: Translation of represent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of represent for Arabic Speakers

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• representation

rep·re·sen·ta·tion

Rep•re•sen•ta•tion.

• macrograph - A life-size drawing or representation.
• simulacrum - In the original sense of the word, it was simply a representation of something, such as an oil painting or marble statue.
• representational art - Art that seeks to depict the physical appearance of reality; also called objective art and figurative art.
• logogram , logograph , grammalogue - A logogram or logograph is the same as a grammalogue, a word represented by a single sign, like $.

Representation

• abstractionism
• Additional Member System
• adumbration
• anaglyphoscope
• anamorphosy
• binary coded decimal
• cognitive content
• concrete representation
• convergence
• cosmography
• repoussé
• Repousse work
• Reprehender
• reprehensibility
• reprehensible
• reprehensibly
• reprehension
• reprehensive
• reprehensively
• Reprehensory
• representable
• representamen
• Representance
• representant
• Re-presentation
• representational
• representational art
• representational process
• representational system
• representationalism
• Representationary
• representative
• representative downwind direction
• representative downwind speed
• representative fraction
• representative sample
• representative sampling
• representatively
• representativeness
• represented
• representee
• representer
• representment
• representor
• repressed memory
• represent to
• represent to (someone or something)
• Represent to Witness
• represent us as
• represent us in
• represent us to
• represent you as
• represent you in
• represent you to
• represent yourself as
• represent yourself in
• represent yourself to
• Represent/Represented
• representability
• Representable functor
• representablely
• Representaciones Riquelme y Cerramientos Murcia
• Representamen
• Representant
• Representante Especial del Secretario General
• Representatieve Vakorganisaties
• Representation (arts)
• Representation (disambiguation)
• Representation (psychology)
• Representation Agreement Resource Centre
• Representation and Maintenance of Process Knowledge
• Representation and Transportation Allowances
• Representation and Welfare Unit
• representation condition
• Représentation des Institutions Françaises de Sécurité Sociale
• Representation Fund Custodian
• Representation Language Language
• Représentation Militaire Française
• Representation of People's Act
• Representation of persons; a fiction of the law
• Representation of Stimuli as Neural Activity Project
• Representation of the People Act
• Representation of the People Acts
• Representation of the People Order
• Representation oligonucleotide microarray analysis
• Representation Oligonucleotide Microarray Analysis (ROMA)
• Representation Quality
• Representation theory
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Advertisement

[ duhm -ee ]

On the counter was a display of lipstick dummies made of colored plastic.

This slide presentation is just a dummy to try out the template I made.

When I put the dress on the dummy to pin the hem, I saw a few spots where it wasn't quite symmetrical.

Only a dummy would fall for that scam.

I was on the board only as a dummy, signing what the other directors told me to.

The property deed was in her name, but she was only a dummy for a labor trafficking ring.

• Older Use: Offensive. a person who is not able to speak.
• a person who is characteristically and habitually silent.
• the declarer's partner, whose hand is exposed and played by the declarer.
• the hand of cards so exposed.
• a game so played.
• an imaginary player represented by an exposed hand that is played by and serves as partner to one of the players.
• Chiefly British. pacifier ( def 2 ) .

We’ll be using better quality paper than you see in this dummy.

• a rammer for pushing out dents in lead pipe.
• Computers. an artificial address, instruction, or other piece of data fed into a computer only to fulfill prescribed conditions and not affecting operations for solving problems.
• Military. a nonexplosive bomb used for practice exercises.

He threw a dummy to shake off his blocker and create just enough space to fire a shot into the net.

The defending player was completely sidetracked by the dummy pass, allowing us to score.

• Dentistry. pontic ( def ) .

Some businesses use dummy cameras along with a few live ones to deter thieves.

We played a dummy round to learn the rules of the game without counting points.

One group in the study took one tablet of the drug daily, while the other group was given dummy pills.

He created a few dummy friends on his page to make it look like he had more.

Two city councilors formed a dummy construction company so they could pay themselves inflated prices for the work done.

• Cards. played with a partner whose hand is exposed.

verb (used with object)

The designer dummied up the book so we could study the format.

We dummied in a few illustrations to show the proposed layout for the homepage.

The forward dummied the free kick before it reached his teammate, who immediately scored.

She dummied her tackler before firing a low shot past the defense.

verb (used without object)

He dummied and then threw to another player.

verb phrase

If anybody asks you, just dummy up.

• a figure representing the human form, used for displaying clothes, in a ventriloquist's act, as a target, etc
• a copy or imitation of an object, often lacking some essential feature of the original

a dummy drawer

• slang. a stupid person; fool
• derogatory. a person without the power of speech; mute
• informal. a person who says or does nothing
• a person who appears to act for himself while acting on behalf of another

a dummy buyer

• military a weighted round without explosives, used in drill and training
• the hand exposed on the table by the declarer's partner and played by the declarer
• the declarer's partner
• a prototype of a proposed book, indicating the general appearance and dimensions of the finished product
• a designer's layout of a page indicating the positions for illustrations, etc
• a feigned pass or move in a sport such as football or rugby
• a rubber teat for babies to suck or bite on US and Canadian equivalentpacifier
• modifier counterfeit; sham
• modifier (of a card game) played with one hand exposed or unplayed
• to prepare a dummy of (a proposed book, page, etc)
• Alsosell someone a dummy sport to use a dummy pass in order to trick (an opponent)
• In a corporation , one who stands in for a real director or who serves as a nominal director during the organization of the corporation until the stockholders can elect directors.

Discover More

Sensitive note, word history and origins.

Origin of dummy 1

Example Sentences

On Friday, she appeared in court as Ann Marie Miller, again proving herself to be no dummy and decidedly different.

What did you use as the hammer during that kill scene, and were you just hitting a dummy that spurted blood out?

Somebody (a monk, I presume) has put a dummy dressed in a guard's uniform inside.

In a sermon on Sunday, the chair of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP called Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) "a dummy."

It was a Pakistani agenda, and we played the role of the dummy.

Fix up a couple of dummy sacks, you know, and get them to camp and packed on the horse without letting them see what's inside.

When the first card has been led, dummy's hand is exposed, never before the lead.

When a spade declaration has been made by dummy, one trump less is necessary and the doubler need not be on the declarer's left.

The highest of a sequence led through dummy will frequently tell the third player that he has a good finesse.

The dealer makes the declaration or passes it to his dummy to make by the same rules as in three-handed or dummy bridge.

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