represent

To be a sign or symbol of something.

• The dove represents peace.
• Each dot represents one village.
• What does this letter represent in the formula?

Similar words: stand for, symbolize

Common phrases: represent a number, represent an idea, represent something symbolically

To speak or act for another person, group, or country.

• She represents our town in parliament.
• A lawyer represented him in court.
• Who will represent the school at the meeting?

Similar words: speak for, act for

Common phrases: represent a client, represent your country, represent a company

To show someone or something in a picture or other visual work.

• The painting represents a busy market.
• Animals are represented in these ancient drawings.
• The artist represented her mother sitting beside a window.

How to use it: represent someone/something as something (The painting represents the king as a young man.)

Similar words: depict, portray, show

Common phrases: represent a landscape, represent a person

To play a character in a performance.

• He will represent the king in the play.
• She represented a grieving mother on stage.
• Several actors have represented this famous character.

Similar words: play, portray

Common phrases: represent a character, represent the king