representation
gb/ɹˌɛpɹɪzɛntˈeɪʃən/ us/ɹˌɛpɹɪzɛntˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
speaking or acting for others
When a person speaks or acts for another person, group, or idea.
Usage pattern:
[someone] gives representation to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'representation' with 'present', which means to show or give something rather than to act on behalf of someone.
Synonyms
advocacy (Emphasizes public support or argument for a cause, not always formal.)
|
agency (Focuses on the function of acting for someone, often in business contexts.)
Antonyms
self-representation (When someone represents themselves without another person acting for them.)
Collocations
legal representation
|political representation
|representation in court
|representation of interests
Themes
law
|politics
|business
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She provided legal representation for the accused.
- The union offers representation for all its members.
- He was chosen to give representation to the community at the meeting.
Learner examples
- I need legal representation in court.
- She gives representation for the workers.
- The lawyer offers representation to clients.
Noun
B1
entity
2
image or portrayal of something
Something that shows or describes what another thing is like.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a representation of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'representation' with 'present', which refers to giving or showing in real time, not creating an image or description.
Synonyms
depiction (Usually refers to an artistic or visual portrayal.)
|
illustration (Often refers to a drawing or image used to explain something.)
Antonyms
misrepresentation (An incorrect or false depiction of something.)
Collocations
accurate representation
|visual representation
|artistic representation
|symbolic representation
Themes
art
|media
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- This painting is a faithful representation of the landscape.
- The chart is a visual representation of the data.
- Her novel gives a vivid representation of life in the city.
Learner examples
- This photo is a representation of my family.
- The map is a representation of the country.
- The movie is a good representation of the book.
Noun
B2
state
3
inclusion of certain groups
When people from different groups are included and shown in something.
Usage pattern:
[something] has representation from [group]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'representation' only means acting for someone, but here it means being included and visible.
Synonyms
inclusion (Focuses more broadly on actively including all groups.)
|
visibility (Emphasizes being seen or represented publicly.)
Antonyms
exclusion (Leaving certain groups out entirely.)
Collocations
diverse representation
|gender representation
|minority representation
Themes
society
|culture
|media
|relationships
|politics
|work
Examples
- The film industry is working toward better representation of women and minorities.
- There is little representation of disabled people in advertising.
- Parliament now has greater representation from younger members.
Learner examples
- The show has good representation of different cultures.
- There is no representation of old people in this ad.
- The team has equal gender representation.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
4
formal statement to authority
A formal message sent to someone in power to share an opinion or complaint.
Usage pattern:
to make representations to [authority] about [issue]
Synonyms
petition (Usually a formal request signed by many people.)
|
submission (A formal document presented for consideration.)
Antonyms
withdrawal (The act of taking back a formal statement or request.)
Collocations
make representations
|written representation
Themes
law
|government
|politics
|communication
Examples
- They made representations to the council about the proposed building project.
- We will consider any representations before making our decision.
- Several representations were received regarding the policy change.
Learner examples
- We made a representation to the mayor about the park.
- She sent a written representation to the office.
- They made a representation about the noise problem.
Grammar
Dictionary form
representation
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛpɹɪzɛntˈeɪʃən/
US/ɹˌɛpɹɪzɛntˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
rep - res - ent - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: representation
- Plural: representation, representations
Word family
Forms
representations
noun
Core family
represent
verb B1
representative
noun B1
Related words
representational
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
misrepresent
verb
misrepresentation
noun
unrepresentative
adjective
Advanced or less common
representativeness
noun
Expressions
make representations
1/mˈeɪk ɹˌɛpɹɪzəntˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
formal
formally express opinion to authority
To officially tell someone in power your opinion or complaint about something.
Examples
- Residents plan to make representations to the city council about road safety.
- The company made representations against the proposed tax increase.