represent definition

1. take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to
• examples: Because of the sound changes in the course of history, an 'h' in Greek stands for an 's' in Latin
2. be representative or typical for
• examples: This period is represented by Beethoven
3. be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute
• examples: I represent the silent majority
4. serve as a means of expressing something
• examples: The flower represents a young girl
5. create an image or likeness of
• examples: The painter represented his wife as a young girl
6. describe or present, usually with respect to a particular quality
• examples: He represented this book as an example of the Russian 19th century novel
7. point out or draw attention to in protest or remonstrance
• examples: our parents represented to us the need for more caution