representative
gb/ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/ us/ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/
B1
English
~ 1700
képviselő, jellemző, reprezentatív
NOUN
B1
1
képviselő
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a representative of [group/organization]
She works as a sales representative for a software company.
Értékesítési képviselőként dolgozik egy szoftvercégnél.
The elected representative spoke in parliament about the new law.
A megválasztott képviselő a parlamentben beszélt az új törvényről.
Our company sent a representative to the trade fair.
He is the official representative of the charity in this region.
Learner examples
The man is a company representative.
A férfi a cég képviselője.
She is a representative in the local government.
Képviselő a helyi önkormányzatban.
We met the school’s student representative.
He is the official representative of our team.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'representative' with 'representation'. The first is a person, the second is the act or result of representing.
Meaning
Person who acts for others
Collocations
company representative
|sales representative
|elected representative
|official representative
Synonyms
delegate (Focuses more on being sent to represent a group, especially in meetings or conferences.)
|
spokesperson (Emphasizes speaking to the public or media on behalf of others.)
Antonyms
constituent (Refers to a person represented by an elected official, the opposite role.)
Themes
politics
|business
|communication
Definition
A person who speaks or acts for other people.
A person who is chosen or appointed to speak, act, or make decisions on behalf of others.
B2
2
jellemző
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] is representative of [group/type]
The survey used a representative sample of the population.
A felmérésben a lakosság reprezentatív mintáját használták.
This painting is representative of his early style.
Ez a festmény jellemző a korai stílusára.
Her story is representative of many immigrants’ experiences.
Learner examples
This picture is representative of his work.
Ez a kép jellemző a munkásságára.
The test group was representative of the whole city.
A tesztcsoport az egész városra nézve reprezentatív volt.
Her style is representative of modern art.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'representative' (adjective) with 'representation' (noun) or 'represent' (verb).
Meaning
Typical of a group or kind
Collocations
representative sample
|representative figure
|representative example
Synonyms
typical (More common and everyday; 'representative' can sound more formal or precise.)
|
emblematic (More literary; emphasizes symbolic representation.)
Antonyms
atypical (Means not typical or not a good example of the group.)
Themes
description
|comparison
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Being like the usual example of a group or thing.
Serving as an example that shows the typical qualities of a particular group, type, or category.
Grammar
Dictionary form
representative
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/
US/ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/
Syllables & stress
rep - res - ent - at - ive (5 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ent)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: representative
Noun
- Base: representative
- Plural: representatives
Word family
Forms
representatives
noun
Core family
represent
verb B1
representation
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
unrepresentative
adjective
misrepresent
verb
misrepresentation
noun
Advanced or less common
representational
adjective
representativeness
noun
Expressions
elected representative
1/ɪlˈɛktɪd ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
Person chosen by vote to represent others
A person chosen by people’s votes to speak or act for them in government or another group.
Examples
- The elected representative promised to lower taxes.
- As an elected representative, she feels responsible for her community.
official representative
1/əfˈɪʃəl ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
formal
Formally appointed delegate or spokesperson
A person who has been formally chosen to speak or act for a group, company, or country.
Examples
- He is the official representative of our government at the meeting.
- The official representative signed the agreement on behalf of the company.
sales representative
1/sˈeɪlz ɹˌɛpɹɪzˈɛntɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
Company employee who sells goods/services
A person who sells things for a company and talks to customers for the company.
Examples
- I spoke with a sales representative about the new phone model.
- The sales representative will contact you to arrange a meeting.