Words / B2

repr-i-ZENT-uh-tiv/ˌreprɪˈzentətɪv/

A representative acts for others; as an adjective it means typical of a group: a union representative; a representative sample. Represent is the verb (already in the dictionary). A union representative sat in. Mix-up: representative is not the same as MP in every country (US Congress uses the word as a title). Do not call a convenience sample representative.

Meaning

A person chosen to speak or act for others; also (adjective) typical of a group.

Examples

• “A union representative sat in on the disciplinary, the minutes show.”
• “The panel was not representative of the year group, which is the sampling sense.”

Good to know

a union / elected representative; a representative sample. Verb: represent. Methods and industrial relations. Typical or acting for, not a random volunteer.

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