representative

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person chosen to act or speak for others.

   A sales representative will call you back today.

2. 2
   adj

   Typical of a larger group; having the same qualities as others in it.

   The survey used a representative sample of voters.

3. 3
   adj

   Standing for or symbolizing something else.

   The bald eagle is representative of the United States.

4. 4
   adj

   Relating to a system of government in which people vote for officials to act for them.

   They campaigned for a more representative government.

From Middle English representative, from Middle French representatif and its etymon Medieval Latin repraesentātīvus. By surface analysis, represent + -ative; See representation.

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