representv.¹

Brit.

/ˌrɛprᵻˈzɛnt/, U.S.

/ˌrɛprəˈzɛnt/

Forms: Middle English represente (past tense), Middle English–1500s represente, Middle English– represent, 1500s–1600s repraesent, 1500s–1600s represent (past participle), 1600s representte; Scottish pre-1700 represant, pre-1700 represent (past tense), pre-1700 1700s– represent.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French representer; Latin repraesentāre.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman representir , Anglo-Norman and Middle French representer to evoke, to recall the memory of (1176 in Old French as represanter ), to resemble, imitate (c1190), to bring forward, present (12th cent.), to perform (in the theatre) (mid 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to serve as (c1270), to depict in a painting, engraving, or sculpture (c1275), to replace (in a formal, ceremonial, or legal context), take the place of, deputize for (1283), to signify, symbolize (early 14th cent.), to exhibit (pieces of evidence), to serve as a representative of a group, to reproduce (an event, an attitude) in a dramatic scene (all 1539), (in drama) to imitate (a person), to play the role of (first half of the 16th cent.; French représenter ) and its etymon classical Latin repraesentāre to give immediate effect to, bring forward to the present, to pay at once, to present to view, exhibit, to show or present in person, to make present to the mind, to revive, to portray, to resemble, imitate, in post-classical Latin also to take or fill the place of, deputize for (a person) (3rd cent.) < re- re- prefix + praesentāre present v. Compare Old Occitan reprezentar (c1165), Catalan representar (14th cent.), Spanish representar (13th cent.), Portuguese representar (14th cent.), Italian rappresentare (a1294), and also Dutch representeeren (late 15th cent. in Middle Dutch as representeren; < French), German repräsentieren (2nd half of the 16th cent.; < Latin), Swedish representera (early 17th cent.).

I. To take or fill the place of.

a. transitive. To assume or occupy the role or functions of (a person), typically in restricted, and usually formal situations; to be entitled to speak or act on behalf of (a person, group, organization, etc.); (in later use esp.) to act or serve as the spokesperson or advocate of.In quot. c1390: apparently with the suggestion of acting in the name or cause although not with the authority of.Scots Law: to assume the role of legatee in place of (a deceased parent); cf. representation n.¹ 2.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > delegated authority > action or function of a delegate or deputy > act as deputy for [verb (transitive)]

spelec960

representc1390

to bear the person of?1533

reprehend1598

act1651

personate1651

rep1951

c1390 Talkyng of Love of God (Vernon) (1950) 18 (MED) Þe deueles Maumet..is..Hardore þen eny ston of wikkede herte Aȝein his euen cristne þat crist representen.

c1450 J. Capgrave Solace of Pilgrims (Bodl. 423) (1911) 163 (MED) Be for þe incarnacion þei sey þat þoo appariciones wer mad be aungelles representyng þe persone of god.

1494 Loutfut MS f. 5^v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) The marschaillis ar ane office quhilk pertenis til haue..the governance of the sammyn for thai represent the counstable.

1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Avi Albeit she dyd not receyue in to her house our sauyour in his owne persone..she neuertheles receyued theim that dothe represent his persone.

c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 23 Our Generall sent Cap. Jobson, repræsentinge his person with his authorite, as his Leiftenante Generall.

1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xix. 95 It is manifest, that men who are in absolute liberty may..give Authority to One man, to represent them every one.

1766 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. xiv. 217 All the branches inherit the same share that their root, whom they represent, would have done.

1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 713 When an heir is cited as representing his ancestor, he incurs a passive title if he states a peremptory defence.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 139 During that interval the king was represented by a board of lords justices.

1853 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings Old Test. xxvi. 449 There sat upon his soul a weight of sorrow and evil, as if he were representing his whole people.

1968 Guardian 25 Oct. 8/6 Anti-Zionism of the Left began with the ‘Bund’, the Russian movement of the 1890s representing Marxist Jews in the revolutionary struggle.

1994 New York 3 Jan. 52/1 He tries to find a lawyer to represent him in a damage suit, and winds up with a crass ambulance chaser.

2008 Review (Rio Tinto) Mar. 15/2 Each community will be represented by a trust.

b. transitive. Originally: †to occupy or assume (the status, role, etc.) of a person or group of people (obsolete). In later use: to serve as a representative of (the interests, etc.) of a person or group.In quot. c1475² intransitive: to correspond to the status of: cf. 7.

ΚΠ

a1450 (c1390) G. Chaucer Complaint of Venus (Tanner) (1879) l. 58 When I me wel avise Of eny estate that man may represent Then haue ye made me..Chese the beste.

c1450 De Institutione Inclusarum (Bodl.) 654 For the godes which christen peple yeuen to holy chirche, the mynistres that han it to kepe shulde departe it either to wydowes, fadirles children, pilgrimes, or to other pore folke... Alle this peple representen þe staat of Martha.

c1475 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (Harl. 642) (1790) 27 (MED) The steward and tresoror of an Erle..represent the roomes of knyghts within theyre proper householde and rule.

c1475 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (Harl. 642) (1790) 56 (MED) The Steward, and Thesaurer in hys absence, within this courte represents unto the estate of an Erle.

1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xviii. f. xxxiii For thoughe the lorde dye, his heyre or his assigne, if he sell it or graunt it a way, they do represent the lordes estate.

1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance xi. f. 20 If a knyght, a iuge, or a senatour, had vsed any vnsemely thyng, appayryng or staynyng the estimation of the degree, whych he represented, it was in the authoritie of the Censores to degrade hym or dyscharge hym of his office or dignitie.

1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 89 Although the Dutchesse may represent the degree of her Father,..it were impossible she shoulde represent the qualitie of a male.

1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. vi. 110 An Assembly called the House of Commons..to represent the Wisdom of the whole Nation.

1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall V. xlix. 121 The patriciate represented only the title, the service, the alliance, of these distant protectors.

1866 C. Kingsley Lett. (1878) II. 243 The House of Lords seems to me to represent all heritable property, real or personal.

1874 J. Morley On Compromise 83 The growth of self-government, or government by deliberative bodies, representing opposed principles and conflicting interests.

1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. II. iii. liii. 333 The National Republican, ultimately the Whig party, represented many of the views of the former Federalists.

1894 J. T. Fowler in St. Adamnan Vita S. Columbae Introd. 53 The two Finnians represented Welsh and North British traditions respectively.

1901 Davenport (Iowa) Daily Leader 23 Aug. 6/2 They will represent the Democracy of the state better than the action of the reaffirmers.

1948 Economist 24 July 147/1 On each supervisory board five out of eleven members represent the workers' interests.

1998 I. Hunter Which? Guide to Employm. xvii. 270 Like trade unions, staff associations exist to represent the views of members.

c. transitive. To serve as the representative of (a particular group, constituency, or party) in a legislative or deliberative assembly.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > [verb (transitive)] > represent

represent1550

forstand1642

personate1651

1550 T. Nicolls tr. Thucydides Hist. Peloponnesian War xiii. x. f. ccxiii ^v They assembled to the nomber of foore houndred fully determyned to assaulte and dryue awaye all those, that conducted the comon gouernance: pretendinge themself to be and represente all the comons.

1572 Olde & Auncient Order Keeping of Parl. in J. Hooker Order & Vsage Keeping of Parlement sig. Ciii^v They in time comming shall make aunswere for the preseruation of the King, them selues, and the Commons, whose persons they doo represent.

1643 W. Prynne Soveraigne Power Parl. iv. xiv. 20 It is undeniable, that the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Commons in Parliament, elected by the suffrages of the severall Counties, Cities, and Burroughs of England, really and legally represent all the Commons; and the Lords and they the whole Realm, and all the people of England.

1655 O. Cromwell Speech to Parl. 22d Jan., 1654 8 I have been careful of your Safety, and the Safety of those that you represented.

1700 R. Brady Contin. Hist. Eng. 427 The People ought to be free to Chuse Knights to represent them in Parlement, to propound their Grievances, and provide Remedies for them.

1712 A. Boyer Hist. Reign Queen Anne: Year the Tenth 332 It was propos'd, That Her Majesty should create Sixteen Hereditary Peers to represent the Nobility of Scotland in the British Parliament.

1778 E. Burke Let. 24 Apr. in Corr. (1961) III. 438 I do not wish to represent Bristol, or to represent any place, but upon Terms that shall be honourable.

1780 S. Johnson Let. 9 May (1992) III. 254 Did I tell you that Scot and Jones both offer themselves to represent the University in the place of Sir Roger Newdigate.

a1901 J. Fiske Ess. Hist. & Literary (1902) i. v. 202 The matter was settled by the famous Connecticut compromise, according to which the upper house was to represent states, while the lower house represented population.

1996 Sunday Tel. 4 Feb. 20/4 Those representing constituencies outside London receive a generous accommodation allowance.

d. transitive. In passive. To be served by a representative or representatives; to be acted for by.

ΚΠ

?1572 J. Hooker Order & Vsage Keeping of Parlements sig. Giv The King with the concent of his Commons (who are represented by the Knights Citizens and Burgesses) may ordain & establish any Act or Law.

a1687 W. Petty Polit. Arithm. (1690) 95 May not the three Kingdoms be United into one, and equally represented in Parliament?

1691 D. Gregory Let. 8 Aug. in I. Newton Corr. (1961) III. 161 In times of presbytery, each University is represented in the National or General Assembly by a Church man and a lay man.

1715 B. Willis Notitia Parl. I. Pref. p. vii Westminster, Peterborough, &c. were never represented in the House of Commons, 'till Edw. the 6th's Time.

1799 Public Char. 1799–1800 410 In the year 1754..he was chosen member for Honiton in Devonshire: a borough represented by his ancestors for a series of years.

1845 D. Mackenzie Emigrant's Guide 31 The town of Melbourne is represented by one member..in our Botany Bay Parliament.

1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 A committee of nine members, in which every Hanse Town was in its turn represented.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 126 The people and the aristocracy alike are to be represented..by officers elected for one or two years.

1960 H. Aptheker Amer. Revol. v. 88 This time delegates were present from all thirteen colonies, with New York officially represented by a strong delegation.

1998 Economist 8 Aug. 23/1 Three ‘majority-minority’ seats are represented by white Labour MPs, and the top echelons of the local council are also dominated by whites.

e. transitive. Chiefly Sport. Of a competitor or team: to participate in a competition or event on behalf of (a club, region, country, etc.).

ΚΠ

1877 Spirit of Times 15 Dec. 513/1 In a really International competition, the American rifleman should represent and be selected by a National Association.

1899 Harper's Weekly 28 Oct. 1098/3 Pennsylvania will not be represented by a team, not being a member of the Inter-collegiate Association.

1935 C. Brooks Jrnl. 13 May (1998) 109 In 1928 she was chosen as a ‘Beauty Queen’ to represent this country in an international contest.

1966 Encycl. N.Z. I. 33 One of the highest honours that a New Zealand sportsman can receive is to represent his country both at rugby and at cricket.

1992 Lewiston (Idaho) Morning Tribune (Nexis) 11 Mar. 11 a More than 12,000 students on teams representing more than 2,000 high schools nationwide are expected to participate in scholastic tournaments this year.

2008 Independent 5 Jan. (Mag.) 18/1 Later this year in Beijing she will represent Great Britain as BMX racing makes its debut as an Olympic sport.

†2. transitive. To present the image or appearance of; to resemble. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > be like, resemble, or take after

to bear a resemblance toa1225

semblec1330

resemble1340

to look likec1390

representa1398

belikec1475

assemble1483

express1483

to take after ——1553

figure1567

assimilate1578

besib1596

imitate1601

resemblance1603

respect1604

favour1609

image1726

mirror1820

facsimile1839

turn after ——1848

picture1850

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. iii. xiii. 102 Amonge alle creaturis þe resonabil soule representiþ most opunlich þe liknes of þe ymage of God.

c1450 tr. G. Boccaccio De Claris Mulieribus (1924) l. 388 She shewyde hir selfe, a man as thowe she were, Representynge the prynce in figure and face.

1551 W. Turner New Herball sig. C vj Dyll groweth..wyth a spokye top as fenell hath, whome he doth represent wonders nere.

1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. i. xlviii. 158 The engines which Dionysius invented in Siracusa..did greatly represent, and come very neere our moderne inventions.

1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 855 On their outside they [sc. the valves of the veins] represent the knottes that are in the branches of plants.

1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια i. ii. 8 The rumbling of the guts, their croaking murmurs..do represent the fashion and manner of all kindes of thunders.

a. transitive. To symbolize (something abstract or intangible, as a quality, concept, etc.), to stand in the place of; (in later use also, with little or no implication of substitution) to signify, denote.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > represent physically [verb (intransitive)]

representc1400

society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > represent physically [verb (transitive)]

representc1400

picturea1530

form1590

embody1741

to body forth1800–24

effigy1815

thing1883

vehiculate1928

c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 462 (MED) Ymagis þat representen pompe and glorie of þo worlde..bene false.

1508 W. Dunbar Ballade Barnard Stewart in Poems (1998) I. 179 The sueird of conquis..Be borne suld highe before the in presence, To represent sic man as thou has beyn.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxv An Appell of Golde, representynge the shape of the rounde worlde.

1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. i. 19 This hairy Meteor..With grizly type did represent Declining Age of Government.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 199 No sovereign has ever represented the majesty of a great state with more dignity and grace.

1906 E. Goldman tr. M. Baginski in P. Glassgold Anarchy! (2001) 298 Trade unionism represents to the workingman the most natural form of association with his fellow brother.

1928 Amer. Mercury Oct. 184/1 Modern Tongueism, as Dr. White calls it, represents to her demoniacal possession at its worst.

1991 Mother Jones Nov.–Dec. 23/2 For most of these women, the hijāb..represents freedom from the oppression of an overbearing western world.

2006 F. Kiernan & G. Hemphill Still Game: Scripts I. i. 23 That boy represents hope. No' just for you. No' just for me. For the lot of us.

b. transitive. To act as a symbolic sign or substitute for (a person or thing); to symbolize, stand for, embody.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > representation > [verb (transitive)] > of the representation

representc1450

describea1536

adumbrate1537

fashion1590

to figure for1596

depaint1598

maintain1598

depicture1650

depict1871

c1450 Art Nombryng in R. Steele Earliest Arithm. in Eng. (1922) 37 If fro the 3 place me borowede an vnyte, That vnyte by respect of the figure that he came fro representith an c.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 211 (MED) Peple honoure noo thynge in theyme [sc. images of Saints] but God or..seyntes, whiche they represente to us.

1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes i, in Wks. 117/2 Wordes..be but ymages representing the things that the writer or speaker conceiueth in his minde.

1630 R. Brathwait Eng. Gentleman 170 There is no one game which may seeme to represent the state of mans life to the full, so well as the Chesse.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 116 This Colossus which represented the Sun, was cast by Chares the Lyndian.

1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 16 Mar. (1965) I. 390 I live in a place that very well represents the Tower of Babel.

1727 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II Calvary (in Heraldry) as a cross Calvary, is set on Steps to represent the Cross on which our Saviour suffered.

1777 D. Garrick Bundle of Prol. in Rev. Eng. Stud. (2007) 58 488 This Room is the Playhouse—the fine China in those Glass Cases, shall represent the Ladies.

1830 R. Hardie Hoyle made Familiar 2 The inventor [of cards] proposed, by the figures of the four suits,..to represent the four classes of men in the kingdom.

1856 A. P. Stanley Sinai & Palestine (1858) xii. 406 Cyprus thus visible from the mainland, represented to the Hebrew people the whole western world.

1968 New Larousse Encycl. Mythol. (new ed.) 19/1 Isis, in the Osirian myth, represents the rich plains of Egypt.

1991 Lit. & Ling. Computing 6 60/2 Replacement characters are used on screen to represent thorn, yogh, asc, and eth.

2008 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 14 Feb. 31/3 On the left-hand side are allegorical figures representing various strata of society.

c. transitive. With personal subject: to cause to stand in the place of; to denote by (also with) a sign or symbol.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > designation > designate [verb (transitive)]

seala1225

designa1398

representa1645

sign1654

ticket1654

designate1677

signature1740

a1645 W. Browne tr. M. Le Roy Hist. Polexander (1647) v. i. 273 Certainly they knew well what a passion that is which we call Love, when they represented it by an Infant that had his Eies banded.

1693 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. I. vii. 264 It was from the Oval or Round Figure of the World that they represented it by an Egg.

1761 tr. C. Batteux Course Belles Lettres IV. iii. ix. 116 We have already defined what is meant by number, and have represented it by a water falling drop by drop.

1825 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 115 90 Since therefore the direction of the plane PQR is completely determined by the three quantities h, k, l, we may represent it by writing those three quantities thus, [etc.]

1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. ii. 39 If we represent the Sun by a globe about two feet in diameter, [etc.].

1947 C. M. G. Lattes et al. in Nature 4 Oct. 455/1 We represent the primary mesons by the symbol π, and the secondary by μ.

1989 R. Dryer & G. Lata Exper. Biochem. i. iv. 85 True chemical equilibrium between HCl and its product ions lies so far to the right that we represent the situation..by an unidirectional arrow.

1994 T. Walsh in T. Dartnall Artific. Intelligence & Creativity ii. 186 Such an expression is called a ‘wavefront’, and we represent it with a box.

4. transitive. To constitute; to be, form, amount to.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > be (part of) [verb (transitive)] > be the or a component(s) of

graitha1300

form1377

makea1393

compone1398

constitute1552

go1559

to make up1589

mould1602

compounda1616

integrate1638

elementate1660

compose1665

represent1776

comprise1794

account1893

1776 H. Clark & T. Wormull Short & Easy Introd. Heraldry (ed. 2) 43 Sagittarius, is an imaginary creature;..it represents one of the twelve celestial signs.

1818 Let. July in D. Turner Acct. Tour Normandy (1820) II. xxii. 139 Lisieux represents one of the most ancient capitals of the primitive tribes of Gaul.

1857 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 20 363/1 The figure 38 per cent. already mentioned, whilst it represents the greatest saving that was actually obtained, is probably not exaggerated.

1881 Nature No. 619. 437 When groups of animals become so far differentiated from each other as to represent separate species, they remain isolated.

1958 Times 8 Nov. 4/7 Assurances that the ionospheric forward-scatter radio station..will not represent a radiation hazard to the public have now been given officially.

1991 Internat. Jrnl. Refugee Law 3 186 These displaced persons..represent numerically the largest group benefiting from UNHCR's current programmes.

2006 M. Pollan Omnivore's Dilemma xiii. 248 Metropolitan buying clubs represent the fastest-growing segment of Joel's market.

a. transitive. To serve as a representative example of (a group or class); to typify, exemplify, or stand for, esp. in a specified context.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > find or furnish an instance or example of [verb (transitive)] > afford an example of

examplec1443

exemplify1567

pattern1606

represent1838

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > find or furnish an instance or example of [verb (transitive)] > be an example or specimen of

paragonize1592

paragon1617

type1627

represent1838

typify1854

1838 T. R. Jones in Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. II. 413/1 The former..represent the Annelida; like the Abranchiate division of that class, they breathe by air-sacs.

1884 Bull. U.S. National Mus. No. 27. 697 This model [of boat] represents the class..exclusively used in the mackerel purse-seine fisheries of New England.

1957 Amer. Heart Jrnl. 54 352 These patients represent an important group of cardiacs who are often denied surgical relief.

1990 Lifestyle Summer 128/1 (advt.) Newquay Steam Beer has been chosen to represent drinks in the ‘Ideal Green Home’, one of the showpieces of this year's Ideal Home Exhibition.

2002 Science 25 Jan. 615/1 The newfound fossils represent four of the 13 families of plesiadapiforms, or archaic primates, dating to about 56 million years ago.

b. transitive. In passive. Of a group or class: to be exemplified or given representation in a particular context by a specific instance or set of instances; (also more narrowly) to be illustrated completely or exhaustively by.

ΚΠ

1846 J. Lindley Veg. Kingdom 411 Floating plants..on the continent of South America..are represented by Victoria.

1858 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 10 Jan. in French & Ital. Notebks. (1980) i. 26 A soup, in which twenty kinds of vegetables were represented.

1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. i. 34 The spiral or whirlpool nebulæ are represented by that in the constellation of Canes Venatici.

1905 W. L. Sclater in Sci. in S. Afr. 143 The Bustards (Otidæ) are represented by no less than twelve species.

1981 A. B. Kehoe N. Amer. Indians vii. 376/2 Macro-Algonkian is represented by two language isolates, Yurok..and Wiyot.

1990 Brit. Museum Mag. Sept. 13/1 Abstraction of the early 1950s is represented by the cool and subtle linocuts produced by Adrian Heath, Kenneth Martin and Robert Adams.

2008 Ashmolean Summer 17/2 They ponder with him a newly-acquired flint knife..; the ‘fishtail’ blade is recognizable as a type already represented in the Ashmolean, but the handle?

c. transitive. Mathematics. To act as a representation of (a group).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > manipulate set [verb (transitive)]

well-order1618

interpole1677

sum1740

interpolate1796

represent1897

truncate1955

intrapolate1956

partition1959

convolve1969

1897 W. Burnside Theory Groups of Finite Order ix. 177 A simple group can always be represented in primitive form.

1971 D. Gorenstein in M. B. Powell & G. Higman Finite Simple Groups ii. 77 We conclude that H/O_p(H) is faithfully represented as a linear group on the Frattini factor group of O_p(H).

2003 P. N. Cohn Further Algebra & Applic. iii. 110 Let X be a set and F the free group on X. Then every element of F is represented by exactly one reduced group word in X and two group words represent the same element of F if and only if they are equivalent.

6. transitive. Of a number or quantity: to indicate or imply (another quantity).

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)] > indicate a quantity

represent1854

1854 Alton (Illinois) Weekly Courier 30 Mar. 4/2 Table showing the probable duration of life (100 Representing the chance of living longest).

1878 T. H. Huxley Physiography (ed. 2) 45 An inch of rain represents about 100 tons of water to the acre.

1919 L. H. Morrison Oil Engines xvi. 272 If..the line xx′ represents 1 foot of stroke, then the area obviously represents..100 foot-pounds of work done.

2006 Grocer 9 Dec. 47/4 M&S and Asda are ahead of Tesco, overtrading at 145 and 126 respectively compared with Tesco's 117 (100+ representing an overtrade).

7. transitive. To correspond to, take the place of; esp. (a) Zoology and Botany to be the counterpart of (a plant or animal group) in the fauna or flora of another region (now rare); (b) Anatomy and Biology to be equivalent to (a part) phylogenetically or ontogenetically. Usually in passive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > biology > balance of nature > distribution > [verb (transitive)] > represent

represent1855

1855 E. Smith & W. S. Dallas Syst. Nat. Hist. II. 432 The Llamas, which represent the Camels in the New World.

1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight iii. 34 In the eye, the sides of the box are represented by the sclerotic.

1882 Encycl. Brit. XIV. 738/2 The old idea that they in some way ‘represented’ each other in the two hemispheres of the world was a mere fancy.

1937 Discovery Oct. 308/2 The cuttle ‘bone’ which we give to the canary is, in the squid, represented by a horny ‘pen’ of the shape of a flat pointed feather.

1946 H. Woods Palæontol. Invertebr. (ed. 8) 245 Sometimes the small embryonic shell..is found at the umbo of the adult shell; this represents the protegulum of the Brachiopods.

1993 Collins Compl. DIY Man. (new ed.) iii. 204/2 For an asymmetrically shaped pane of patterned glass supply a template, marking the surface that represents the outside face.

2006 J. T. Costa Other Insect Societies viii. 196 Clearly silk spinning by solitary species represents the ancestral condition, a behavior or capability spectacularly elaborated in some cases.

II. To make present, bring to view. Cf. present v. I.

* To depict, portray.

a. transitive. To render perceptible, make plain or manifest; to communicate to the senses, esp. the sight.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)]

to set beforea1000

openOE

showlOE

to put forth?c1225

kithe1297

to make (a) showing ofc1330

presenta1398

representa1398

to lay forthc1420

splayc1440

discovera1450

advisea1500

to set to (the) show?1510

to stall out1547

outlay1555

exhibit1573

strew1579

wray1587

displaya1616

ostentate1630

elevate1637

re-exhibita1648

expound1651

unveil1657

subject1720

flare1862

skin1873

patent1889

showcase1939

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 136 By entringe & incomynge of sonne bemes a cloude representiþ and schewiþ diuers formes and schappis & coloures.

?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Ciij^v It is in power, of god omnypotent His very presence, to us to represent.

1532 Romaunt Rose in Wks. G. Chaucer f. clxvii/2 Of her estate she [sc. Abstynence] her repented As her visage represented.

1567 J. Maplet Greene Forest f. 11 Iris..being..stricken of the Sunne his beames, doth represent and shewe both the figure and colours of the Rainebow vpon the wall next to it.

1660 G. Mackenzie Aretina ii. 126 Deaths horrid face represented in the mirrour of his dying friend, agasted him so, as that he was willing to ransome his life upon his knees.

1684 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 14 483 As by Polyscopes or Multiplying Glasses, one thing is represented to the Eye as many,..so by a Polyphone or Polyacoustick well order'd one Sound may be heard as many.

1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 145 But still th' imputed tints are those alone The medium represents, and not their own.

1867 Chem. News & Jrnl. Industr. Sci. 15 263/2 The principal curve in the diagram represents to the eye very roughly..the distribution of heat in the visible portion of the spectrum.

a1881 S. Lanier Sci. Eng. Verse (1909) i. ii. 59 ‘Through’ is also but one verse-sound to the ear, though represented to the eye by seven letters, or signs of sound.

1907 M. E. Findlay tr. G. Compayré Herbart iii. 65 Thus, in teaching history, we shall make use of every means for representing to the eyes by way of sensation the things belonging to the past.

1987 D. Duncan Shadow xvii. 224 He caught Icefire's ferocious glare and thought that perhaps, just this once, that expression represented her true feelings.

b. transitive. To bring clearly and distinctly before the mind or imagination; to describe, evoke, conjure; to imagine, conceptualize.In quot. 1692 intransitive.

ΚΠ

c1400 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Vernon) (1984) 35 (MED) Haue in þyn awter þe ymage of þe crucifix hangynge on þe cros, which represente to þe þe passioun of crist.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) Prol. l. 177 (MED) Vn-to vs her bokes represent With-out feynynge þe weie þat þei went.

1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 18 Auld storys that men redys Representis to thaim the dedys Of stalwart folk that lywyt ar.

1546 S. Gardiner Declar. True Articles (new ed.) f. lxvi The carpenter for example as he excelleth in cunnynge so dothe he conceyue so muche the more sodenly, & with a smal short thought represent to hym selfe all the hole frame of that he wyll worke perfitely.

1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xxvii. 505 The Dreame representeth vs the stone heawen without hand.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. A2 Wherefore representing your Maiestie many times vnto my mind,..I haue been..possessed with an extreame woonder at those your virtues.

1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 18 The other..studieth also to expresse things prefigured only and represented by the phantasie.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 104 Of all external things, Which the five watchful Senses represent, She forms Imaginations.

1692 J. Norris Cursory Refl. Ess. Human Understanding 27 in Christian Blessedness (ed. 2) Our Ideas..are immaterial as to their Representation, that is, they represent after an immaterial manner.

a1708 W. Beveridge Thes. Theologicus (1710) I. 261 Why is God said to have a head and hands? To represent Him the better to our capacities.

1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 168 Those People who have any Notion of a G O D, must represent Him to themselves as something Superior.

1778 J. Aikin Thomson's Seasons in Ess. p. xxi The poet..begins with representing the reviviscent plants emerging.

1853 W. Thomson Outl. Laws of Thought (ed. 3) 25 (note) A subjective tendency in a poet or thinker would be a preponderating inclination to represent the moods and states of his own mind.

1856 P. E. Dove Logic Christian Faith Introd. 4 Man may have knowledge which he cannot represent to his formal reason.

1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 95/1 It remains, therefore, to complete the work by representing the character of the country.

1910 Monist 20 591 It is the nature of conception to represent to the mind that which is not present in sense.

2004 M. Potter Set Theory & its Philos. vii. 124 We can represent space to ourselves as continuous whether or not it really is.

a. transitive. To portray in an artistic medium or by artistic means (typically painting or sculpture); (of an artist, etc.) to depict or evoke (a subject).

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > representation > [verb (transitive)]

depaint?c1225

paintc1275

figurec1380

resemblea1393

portraya1398

represent?a1425

impicture1523

portrait1548

shadow1553

to paint forth1558

storize1590

personate1591

limn1593

propound1594

model1604

table1607

semble1610

rendera1616

to paint out1633

person1644

present1649

to figure out1657

historize1668

to fancy out1669

to take off1680

figurate1698

refer1700

display1726

depicture1739

depict1817

actualize1848

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > represent in art [verb (transitive)]

workOE

shapea1375

express1382

marka1393

resemblea1393

portraya1398

devisea1400

makea1400

represent?a1425

counterfeitc1440

to set on write1486

porturea1500

emporturea1529

story1532

portrait1548

show1565

decipher1567

portraiture1581

to set forth1585

emblazea1592

stell1598

defigure1599

infigure1606

effigiate1608

deportract1611

deportray1611

rendera1616

image1624

configure1630

exiconize1641

effigies1652

to take off1680

mimic1770

paraphrase1961

?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 38 Ȝit es þare paynting, whare in þe grete dole þat þai made es representid and purtraid.

1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour ii. iii. sig. Oiii^v Painted tables, and images, containyng histories: wherin is represented some monument of vertue..wherby other men in beholdynge, may be instructed.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. iii. sig. C2^v The painter meaning to represent the present condition of the young Ladie.

1661 O. Felltham Lett. xvii. 88 in Resolves (rev. ed.) They forbad the Holy Ghosts being represented in the form of a Dove.

1663 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 14 Pilasters, through whose bodies Lions are represented to creep.

1664 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders (new ed.) i. 16 To direct the Sculptors how to Represent those Images.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Calvary Such is the Church of St. Valerian, near Paris; which is accompany'd with several Chapels, in each whereof is represented in Sculpture one of the Mysteries of the Passion.

1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvi. 160 My wife desired to be represented as Venus.

1799 J. Strutt Compl. View Dress & Habits People of Eng. II. v. 283 She is represented as a mightly precise dame, with her wimple neatly pinched, or plaited.

1821 W. M. Craig Lect. Drawing viii. 422 The subjects for these purposes should always be represented as if placed at a considerable degree of elevation.

1843 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters I. 9 What is commonly considered the whole art of painting, that is, the art of representing any natural object faithfully.

1901 Daily News 23 Feb. 6/4 The Prince Consort is represented..as wearing low-heeled, square-toed ‘Derbies’, with buckles on them.

1987 J. Robinson in P. Alperson What is Music? (1994) ii. vi. 179 When Schubert represents the leaping of a trout, his music does not attempt to sound like a trout; instead Schubert gives us a musical ‘description’ of the movement of the trout.

2002 R. Goffen Renaissance Rivals (2004) ii. iv. 77 Michelangelo represented men battling Centaurs in a composition notable for its narrative obfuscations.

b. transitive. Of a picture, an image, etc.: to portray, depict, show.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > represent in art [verb (transitive)] > of pictures or images

representa1500

a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 85 (MED) Make þin pylgrimage nought to þe ymage..but to hym and for hym þat þe ymage representyȝt.

c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 1913 (MED) The thryd wall..The Tyme representeth of Reuocacion.

1634 T. Jackson Knowledg of Christ Jesus vii. xi Chimeras, or painted devices which represent no visible creature.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant 94 There is one over the Gate, representing in bas relief our Saviour's riding into Jerusalem upon the Ass.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 26. ¶5 The Monuments of their Admirals..represent 'em like themselves.

1731 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II. (ed. 2) Masque (with Architects), certain pieces of sculpture, representing some hideous form; grotesque or satyrs faces, used to fill up or adorn some vacant places.

1794 Columbian Gazetteer 16 Oct. 3/4 One [painting] represents the flight of the holy family of Joseph and Mary.

1800 M. Starke Lett. from Italy II. 126 Two paintings representing Genii with symbols relative to Bacchanlian feasts and ceremonies.

1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 413 Two allegorical pieces by..Holbein, representing the Triumph of Riches and the Triumph of Poverty respectively.

1873 W. Black Princess of Thule iii. 44 The four walls were..covered by a paper of foreign manufacture, representing spacious Tyrolese landscapes, and incidents of the chase.

1906 R. Lanciani Golden Days of Renaissance in Rome vi. 263 The basrelief represents the Redeemer sitting by the well.

1923 Times 7 June 11/2 The picture represents a scene at a fire in a modern house, with a mother seizing her rescued child from the arms of a fireman.

2003 Rotunda Summer–Fall 29/1 The sculpture represents a type of Indic goddess called a yogini.

10.

a. transitive. To depict (an action, story, scene, etc.) by acting or miming; to perform or produce on the stage.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > perform [verb (transitive)] > put on a performance

representa1438

present1573

to bring out1818

mount1828

produce1836

stage1924

a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 140 (MED) On a Good Fryday..þe sayd creatur behelde preystys..representyng þe lamentabyl deth and doolful berying of owr Lord Ihesu Crist.

?a1525 Play Sacram. 10 And yt lyke yow to here y^e purpoos of y^is play that [ys] representyd now in yower syght.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. xv. 27 These matters were also..represented by action as that of the Comedies.

1615 R. Brathwait Strappado 161 Saint Bartlemews, where all the Pagents showne, And all those acts from Adam vnto Noe Vs'd to be represent.

1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. xcvii. 391 Such like Spectacles..did but little honour to those that caused them to be represented.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) II. 449 This night we went to the Opera, which are comedies and other plays represented in Recitative Musiq.

1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 203 In China we may..represent Comedies, and dance Balls in a Lanthorn.

1774 T. Warton Hist. Eng. Poetry I. 233 In what manner, if ever, this piece was represented theatrically, cannot easily be discovered.

a1800 G. Steevens in J. Boswell Life Johnson (1831) V. 222 Goldsmith's last comedy was to be represented during some court-mourning.

a1822 P. B. Shelley tr. J. W. von Goethe Scenes from Faust in Posthumous Poems (1824) 415 Quite a new piece, the last of seven, for 'tis The custom now to represent that number.

1894 Daily News 6 June 2/4 The royalties, that is to say the payments made during the year 1893 for permission to represent the play.

1908 J. E. Spingam Hist. Lit. Crit. in Ren. (rev. ed.) iii. 68 Giraldi gives it as a universal rule of the drama that nothing should be represented on the stage which could not with propriety be done in one's own house.

2005 S. Maslan Revol. Acts ii. 39 What made the theater a menace to order was not the plays themselves but the fact that they were represented before and in the presence of an audience.

b. transitive. To portray (a role or character) on the stage; to act the part or depict the actions and characteristics of (a person).

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (transitive)] > a part or character

playc1390

enact1430

representc1475

perform1598

personate1598

present1598

do1600

to bring (a person) on or to the stage1602

stage1602

support1693

impersonate1715

sustain1731

be1814

portray1875

fake1876

inact1900

c1475 Wisdom (Folger) (1969) 101 (MED) I..represent here þe sowll of man.

a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 293 (MED) To representyn in pleyynge at Cristemesse Heroudis & þe thre kyngis..is leful and comendable.

1592 T. Nashe Pierce Penilesse (Brit. Libr. copy) sig. H2 The Tragedian that represents his person.

1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 213 The Physician, a person the fittest in the World to represent a Fool in a play.

1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 48. ⁋5 Persons who represent Heroes in a Tragedy.

1752 R. Bathurst in Adventurer 14 Nov. ⁋8 Amazons; to represent whom, I have hired all the wonderful tall men and women..in this town.

1823 W. Scott St. Ronan's Well II. vii. 163 Oberon, the King of Shadows, whose sovereign gravity..was somewhat indifferently represented by the silly gaiety of Miss in her Teens.

1892 Harper's Mag. Sept. 625/2 He was as modest, as simple, and as manly in character as are the characters he represented on the stage.

1917 J. Agate Buzz, Buzz! ii. 146 The Repertory actress sometimes succeeds in sending you away from the theatre concerned for the character she has been representing.

1958 Times Lit. Suppl. 24 Jan. 47/3 Those actors on the stage who cannot represent a member of the rural lower classes without bent knees.

1995 Guardian 12 Sept. i. 2/1 His Ariel is..represented on stage by a chorus of bewigged, mute musicians.

†c. intransitive. To appear on the stage; to act, perform. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (intransitive)]

playa1450

to play (also act) a (also one's) part1540

representa1547

act1598

interlude1608

personate1623

to tread the stage (the boards)1691

perform1724

to go on1769

theatricalize1794

histrionize1851

play-act1856

a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Fourth Bk. Aeneas (1554) iv. sig. Di Lyke Orestes Agamemnons sonne: In tragedyes who represented [v.r. -eth] aye Dryuen about.

1767 Ann. Reg. 1766 Characters 7/1 I gave him a taste for..the ‘petits operas’ in which I sung and represented myself.

11.

a. transitive. To set out clearly before a person (an argument, account of a situation, etc.); to submit formally to a person or audience, typically with a view to influencing action or opinion. Chiefly with clause as object.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > clearly or explicitly

clarifyc1420

representc1443

define1535

express1600

to lay (or put) it on the line1954

the mind > possession > giving > offer or action of offering > offer [verb (transitive)] > present formally for acceptance

present1424

representc1443

tender1528

introduce1698

c1443 R. Pecock Reule of Crysten Religioun (1927) 429 Argumentis to hem mynystrid and not to her resoun representid wiþ sufficient tariaunce vpon hem.

1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. lxvi. 135 There was represent unto him the great danger which he feared might happen unto him.

1646 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1872) II. 62 To represent and show to them the distressed and desolat caice of this toun.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 78 They went..to the Kiaya Bey, and having represented to him how long they had served, [etc.].

1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 41 The condition of his Son..was argument of great compassion; and was lively, and successfully represented to the King himself.

1741 S. Johnson Deb. Senate Lilliput in Gentleman's Mag. Dec. 632 To obviate those Dangers from the Army which have been so strongly and justly represented.

1794 C. Smith Wanderings of Warwick 148 He represented to me, that..it would be unworthy of me to assail him with words of reproach.

1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Devereux I. i. ii. 11 I have just represented to my good brother the necessity of sending my sons to school.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 63 It would have been useless to represent these things to James.

1864 D. G. Mitchell Seven Stories 79 I represented my official character to the doorkeeper.

1931 J. Gavorse Suetonius' Lives Twelve Caesars i. 9 Into those who advocated greater severity [he struck terror], by representing to them what universal odium would be attached to their memories.

1953 G. Heyer Cotillion xi. 177 He nerved himself to expostulate with Kitty, representing to her that to be striking up an acquaintanceship..could in no way add to her consequence.

2008 Daily Tel. 21 Mar. 6/7 She will represent the views of the hospitals to the Government.

†b. intransitive. To present objections to something; to make representations against. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > protesting or remonstrance > protest or remonstrate [verb (intransitive)]

quarrelc1391

reclaimc1425

to make courtesy (at)1542

protest1550

recontest1611

objurgate1642

obtest1650

remonstrant1654

remonstrate1655

represent1717

protest1870

1717 Visct. Bolingbroke Let. to Windham (1753) 27 When the queen seemed to intend a change in her ministry, they had deputed some of their members to represent against it.

1782 R. Cumberland Anecd. Painters Spain II. 81 The Chapter objected to his nomination, and deputed two of their body to represent to Philip against the person of Cano.

1828 Cases decided on Appeal from Courts Scotl. 1824 360 Davidson represented against the findings in this judgment.

1861 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 2) xvi. 248 He..prosecuted seven Prelates for representing against his Declaration appointed to be read in all Churches.

12.

†a. intransitive. To make a claim. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > dueness or propriety > [verb (intransitive)] > put forward a claim

claim1303

to call upon ——1472

represent1498

to lay in1603

to lay claim toa1616

title1633

1498 Interpr. Names Goddis & Goddesses (de Worde) sig. Bvi^v/1 (MED) All tho that represent To be callyd goddys at that banket Resemble false ydollys.

b. transitive. To describe or portray in a particular way; to assert or declare as being of a specified character or kind. With as, †for, to be. Cf. paint v.¹ 4a.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)] > describe the character of

represent1513

relate1582

personate1591

endorse1596

rendera1616

worda1616

character1618

person1644

exponec1650

characterize1653

1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vii. ii. 53 Picus the king, quhilk dois the represent, Saturnus, for his fader and parent.

1612 E. Grimeston tr. P. Matthieu Heroyk Life Henry IV i. 68 Hee did represent it easie, safe, and commodious.

1663 J. Spencer Disc. Prodigies Pref. sig. A iv^v Gregory the Great (represented to Posterity as one most studious of the propagation of the Christian Religion).

1685 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 142 Radcliff represented him to be a turbulent man.

1714 A. Pope Corr. 8 June (1956) I. 230 May they represent me what they will, as long as you think me what I am.

1764 T. Harmer Observ. Passages Script. i. xviii. 43 The trees are represented..as but just grown green at Jerusalem in March.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. ix. 444 Sunderland they represented as the chief conspirator.

1874 L. Stephen Hours in Libr. 1st Ser. 339 Society is not what Balzac represents it to be.

1900 S. J. Weyman Story Francis Cludde (new ed.) xvi. 187 They are represented to me as dangerous persons.

1914 Scotsman 30 Oct. 9/6 ‘Bertha’ is not the delicate plaything that it has sometimes been represented to be.

1968 R. Passmore & J. S. Robson Compan. Med. Stud. I. xxvi. 16 The conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin is not as simple as previously represented.

1989 Gamut Summer 37/1 Popular portrayals represent scientists as loners, working in isolation. In fact, any scientist works under the constant scrutiny of peers.

c. transitive (reflexive). To present oneself as having a particular character, set of attributes, etc.

ΚΠ

1591 G. B. A. F. tr. Discouery Subtiltie & Wisedome Italians xxxiv. 53 He representeth himselfe as a Standerbarer of Christs catholike church, who ought to here his voyce, and doe after his commandements.

1669 G. Whitehead Divinity of Christ iii. 29 God cannot represent himself otherwise than he is; It's true: Where doth he thus represent himself as these men do, with such invented terms, vain tautologies, and confusion?

1694 N. H. Ladies Dict. 339/2 I infer..That for Aged persons by any habit or dresses to represent themselves as young and youthful, is sinfull.

1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle IV. cvii. 249 The warden; to whom the lieutenant, in his great wisdom, represented himself as a kinsman to Peregrine.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India I. ii. ii. 107 The first legislator of the Hindus..appears to have represented himself as the republisher of the will of God.

1898 Argosy Aug. 16 She was the ardent patriot she represented herself to be.

1966 J. I. M. Stewart Aylwins xii. 141 I must not represent myself as seduced into a total regardlessness of my commission.

2003 Focus July (Kings of Egypt Suppl.) He [sc. Ramesses III] represented himself as a warrior, with the attributes of Ramesses II.

d. transitive. To allege or declare that. Law and archaic in later use.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)]

ledgea1300

vouch1390

allege?a1400

suppose1411

pretendc1449

to-layc1450

reckonc1480

compare1536

obtend1573

make1593

represent1651

to trump up1697

1651 Weekly Intelligencer 8 July 218 The Letters from Ireland did this day represent, that our Ships with Money and Provisions are safely arrived in the Bay of Galloway.

1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. vi. 152 They represented that there were so many Italians..beneficed among them, that their yearly revenue exceeded the revenue of the Crown.

1698 Mem. E. Ludlow I. 145 He represented that they had been endeavouring to obey their Orders.

1712 T. Ellwood Davideis iv. vii. 241 They represented, that the Enemy Would not regard, if Half of them should dy; So much as if they him could take, or slay. Therefore they begg'd, He from the Field would stay.

1817 J. B. Burges Advertisement ii. i, in Dramas 146 I only venture to represent that two hundred pounds—.

1891 Barber in Law Times 90 395/1 The defendant did represent that the cow was..sound, when he knew it was not so.

1929 O. A. Marti Econ. Causes of Reformation in Eng. 122 It was represented that the church possessed 18,400 ploughs of land.

1993 Farms For Sale (Huron, Grey, & Bruce Counties, Ont.) Aug.–Oct. 4 (advt.) Although the vendors and brokers have represented that such information is accurate the Publisher does not represent the accuracy of the same.

†** To bring forward, introduce.

13.

a. transitive. To bring before or into the presence of; to present to, introduce, esp. formally or ceremoniously. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > presence > present oneself [verb (reflexive)]

presenta1393

representc1425

render1619

the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)]

sayOE

devisec1300

readc1300

to make (a) showing ofc1330

counterfeitc1369

expressc1386

scrievec1390

descrya1400

scrya1400

drawa1413

representc1425

describec1450

report1460

qualify?1465

exhibit1534

perscribe1538

to set out1545

deline1566

delineate1566

decipher1567

denotate1599

lineate16..

denote1612

givea1616

inform?1615

to shape out1633

speaka1637

display1726

to hit off1737

the world > space > place > presence > be present at [verb (transitive)] > be in the presence of > bring (a person) into the presence of

presentc1300

representc1425

delivera1616

render1645

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 6034 Þei to-gidre wente Tofore þe kyng & Calchas represente To alle þe lordis.

1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) (1859) i. xi. 8 Representeth yo self smartely to this iugement, by ordre, as ye shal be clepyd.

1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) iv. xxix. sig. ll.i ^v She [sc. the soul]..leueth her body and her representeth vnto hym vnto his blyssed pleaser.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. i. 114 In the day time they did represent themselues before the Gouernours.

b. transitive. To bring (a person) to some state or experience. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [verb (transitive)] > raise in prosperity, power, or rank > advance or promote (a person) > to some status

prefera1393

promote1402

promovec1425

represent1435

move1556

R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 7 (MED) Hayle..lufe euerlastynge þat..to þe sight of godis maiestee vs representys.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lv. 28 (MED) Good Besynesse..schal kepen ȝoure body from Alle torment and to Endeles blysse ȝow Represent.

c1475 Court of Sapience (Trin. Cambr.) (1927) 728 (MED) O souuerayn kyng of blys, I shall reward echon wyth theyr entent And man ayene to thy blysse represent.

c. transitive. To bring forth, produce. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > produce or bring forth

doeOE

makelOE

to bring forthc1175

farrow?c1225

childc1350

fodmec1390

raise1402

spring?1440

upbringc1440

breed1526

procreate1546

hatch1549

generate1556

product1577

deprompt1586

produce1587

spire1590

sprout1598

represent1601

effer1606

depromea1652

germinate1796

output1858

1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. ii. iii. 2 That as the heauen moveth, it doth represent indeed a pleasant and incredible sweet harmonie both day and night.

†III. To give, offer, deliver. Cf. present v. II.

14. transitive. To give or deliver (a person or thing); spec. to transmit or transfer to a person's custody. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

?c1430 (c1400) Rule St. Francis (Corpus Cambr.) in F. D. Matthew Eng. Wks. Wyclif (1880) 47 Þei schullen presenten hym to þe nexte custode of þat place..and..þat custode..represente hym in his owen persone in þe hondis of his mynystre, and..þe mynystre..to holde hym..til þat he represente hym to þe cardynal hostiense.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lii. 500 (MED) He Is A manne that ȝow Alle hath taken As presoneres, And to Me Represented now here.

1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus iv. f. 54 Thisbe..kneilland vpon hir kne, To Rhamnusia the missiue represent Fra the Assise.

1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 493 The Thurines honoured and said Ælius with a statue of brasse, and represented to him a coronet of gold.

1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar xii. §7 We are taught to pray not that it be all at once represented or deposited, but that God would minister it as we need it.

15. transitive. To offer or render (service) to a person. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > give [verb (transitive)] > present

offerlOE

present?1316

representa1500

subvect?1572

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > be useful to [verb (transitive)] > perform (a useful service)

representa1500

render1591

present1604

a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Nero) v. Prol. l. 46 Þir ar þe twa gret lichtis..Þat oyssis for to represent And to mynystir þar serwice Tyme be tyme.

1532 (?a1405) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 418 (MED) Princesse of beautie, to you I represent This symple dyte.

Derivatives

repreˈsented adj.

ΚΠ

a1569 A. Kingsmill Viewe Mans Estate (1580) xi. 75 This is the true represented Isaac, that humbleth himself to the Aultar.

1626 T. Adams Five Serm. v. 22 It is a silly shift to say, the honor done to the Images, reflects vpon the represented Saints.

1789 T. Twining tr. Aristotle Treat. Poetry 40 Plato drew his idea of the MIMHΣIΣ of poetry from the theatre itself, and from the personal imitations of represented tragedy.

1822 J. Flint Lett. from Amer. 147 His protection is the affection of a free and a represented people.

1883 Daily News 11 Oct. 2/2 The auditors were afforded no facilities..for ascertaining whether the represented securities really existed.

1943 C. de Tolnay Hist. & Technique Old Master Drawings vi. 63 The self-contained closed form of the represented space.

2005 D. M. Lopes Sight & Sensibility v. 189 The represented figures possess interiority and physicality.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	represent
释义	† representn. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: represent v.¹ Etymology: < represent v.¹ Compare earlier representing n., representation n.¹ Obsolete. A representation; an image, an impression. ΘΚΠ society > communication > representation > [noun] > a representation form?c1225 figurea1340 likeness1340 print1340 nebshaftc1350 resemblancea1393 visagea1400 similitude?a1425 representationc1450 simulacre1483 representa1500 semblance1513 idea1531 image1531 similitudeness1547 type1559 living image1565 portrait1567 counter-figure1573 shadow1580 countershape1587 umbrage1604 medal1608 reflex1608 remonstrance1640 transcript1646 configurationa1676 phantom1690 facsimile1801 personation1851 featuring1864 zoomorph1883 society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > [noun] > an artistic representation ylikenesseOE likenessOE anlikenessOE ylikeOE imagec1300 acornc1388 portraiturea1393 resemblancea1393 semblanta1400 counterfeitc1400 shapec1400 statuec1405 representation1477 presentationa1513 presentment1535 effigy1539 porture1542 express1553 effigium1564 representance1565 designment1570 icon1572 mimesisa1586 effigies1615 expressurea1616 represent1615 signature1618 proportion1678 representative1766 rendering1825 buggerlugs1839 effigiation1876 a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 98 (MED) Vche a wyt hauys in hym [sc. the brain] his represent & commys to þo skynnes þat er yn þat substance of þe harnes. 1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 82 Their Churches are many of them well set forth and painted with the represents of Saints. 1635 Bp. F. White Treat. Sabbath-day 163 Resting from servile labour, upon the old Sabbath day, was a figure and represent of spirituall ceasing and abstaining from the servile workes of sin. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online September 2021). representv.¹ Brit. /ˌrɛprᵻˈzɛnt/, U.S. /ˌrɛprəˈzɛnt/ Forms: Middle English represente (past tense), Middle English–1500s represente, Middle English– represent, 1500s–1600s repraesent, 1500s–1600s represent (past participle), 1600s representte; Scottish pre-1700 represant, pre-1700 represent (past tense), pre-1700 1700s– represent. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French representer; Latin repraesentāre. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman representir , Anglo-Norman and Middle French representer to evoke, to recall the memory of (1176 in Old French as represanter ), to resemble, imitate (c1190), to bring forward, present (12th cent.), to perform (in the theatre) (mid 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman), to serve as (c1270), to depict in a painting, engraving, or sculpture (c1275), to replace (in a formal, ceremonial, or legal context), take the place of, deputize for (1283), to signify, symbolize (early 14th cent.), to exhibit (pieces of evidence), to serve as a representative of a group, to reproduce (an event, an attitude) in a dramatic scene (all 1539), (in drama) to imitate (a person), to play the role of (first half of the 16th cent.; French représenter ) and its etymon classical Latin repraesentāre to give immediate effect to, bring forward to the present, to pay at once, to present to view, exhibit, to show or present in person, to make present to the mind, to revive, to portray, to resemble, imitate, in post-classical Latin also to take or fill the place of, deputize for (a person) (3rd cent.) < re- re- prefix + praesentāre present v. Compare Old Occitan reprezentar (c1165), Catalan representar (14th cent.), Spanish representar (13th cent.), Portuguese representar (14th cent.), Italian rappresentare (a1294), and also Dutch representeeren (late 15th cent. in Middle Dutch as representeren; < French), German repräsentieren (2nd half of the 16th cent.; < Latin), Swedish representera (early 17th cent.). I. To take or fill the place of. 1. a. transitive. To assume or occupy the role or functions of (a person), typically in restricted, and usually formal situations; to be entitled to speak or act on behalf of (a person, group, organization, etc.); (in later use esp.) to act or serve as the spokesperson or advocate of.In quot. c1390: apparently with the suggestion of acting in the name or cause although not with the authority of.Scots Law: to assume the role of legatee in place of (a deceased parent); cf. representation n.¹ 2. ΘΚΠ society > authority > delegated authority > action or function of a delegate or deputy > act as deputy for [verb (transitive)] spelec960 representc1390 to bear the person of?1533 reprehend1598 act1651 personate1651 rep1951 c1390 Talkyng of Love of God (Vernon) (1950) 18 (MED) Þe deueles Maumet..is..Hardore þen eny ston of wikkede herte Aȝein his euen cristne þat crist representen. c1450 J. Capgrave Solace of Pilgrims (Bodl. 423) (1911) 163 (MED) Be for þe incarnacion þei sey þat þoo appariciones wer mad be aungelles representyng þe persone of god. 1494 Loutfut MS f. 5^v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) The marschaillis ar ane office quhilk pertenis til haue..the governance of the sammyn for thai represent the counstable. 1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Avi Albeit she dyd not receyue in to her house our sauyour in his owne persone..she neuertheles receyued theim that dothe represent his persone. c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 23 Our Generall sent Cap. Jobson, repræsentinge his person with his authorite, as his Leiftenante Generall. 1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xix. 95 It is manifest, that men who are in absolute liberty may..give Authority to One man, to represent them every one. 1766 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. xiv. 217 All the branches inherit the same share that their root, whom they represent, would have done. 1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 713 When an heir is cited as representing his ancestor, he incurs a passive title if he states a peremptory defence. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 139 During that interval the king was represented by a board of lords justices. 1853 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings Old Test. xxvi. 449 There sat upon his soul a weight of sorrow and evil, as if he were representing his whole people. 1968 Guardian 25 Oct. 8/6 Anti-Zionism of the Left began with the ‘Bund’, the Russian movement of the 1890s representing Marxist Jews in the revolutionary struggle. 1994 New York 3 Jan. 52/1 He tries to find a lawyer to represent him in a damage suit, and winds up with a crass ambulance chaser. 2008 Review (Rio Tinto) Mar. 15/2 Each community will be represented by a trust. b. transitive. Originally: †to occupy or assume (the status, role, etc.) of a person or group of people (obsolete). In later use: to serve as a representative of (the interests, etc.) of a person or group.In quot. c1475² intransitive: to correspond to the status of: cf. 7. ΚΠ a1450 (c1390) G. Chaucer Complaint of Venus (Tanner) (1879) l. 58 When I me wel avise Of eny estate that man may represent Then haue ye made me..Chese the beste. c1450 De Institutione Inclusarum (Bodl.) 654 For the godes which christen peple yeuen to holy chirche, the mynistres that han it to kepe shulde departe it either to wydowes, fadirles children, pilgrimes, or to other pore folke... Alle this peple representen þe staat of Martha. c1475 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (Harl. 642) (1790) 27 (MED) The steward and tresoror of an Erle..represent the roomes of knyghts within theyre proper householde and rule. c1475 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (Harl. 642) (1790) 56 (MED) The Steward, and Thesaurer in hys absence, within this courte represents unto the estate of an Erle. 1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xviii. f. xxxiii For thoughe the lorde dye, his heyre or his assigne, if he sell it or graunt it a way, they do represent the lordes estate. 1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance xi. f. 20 If a knyght, a iuge, or a senatour, had vsed any vnsemely thyng, appayryng or staynyng the estimation of the degree, whych he represented, it was in the authoritie of the Censores to degrade hym or dyscharge hym of his office or dignitie. 1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 89 Although the Dutchesse may represent the degree of her Father,..it were impossible she shoulde represent the qualitie of a male. 1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. vi. 110 An Assembly called the House of Commons..to represent the Wisdom of the whole Nation. 1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall V. xlix. 121 The patriciate represented only the title, the service, the alliance, of these distant protectors. 1866 C. Kingsley Lett. (1878) II. 243 The House of Lords seems to me to represent all heritable property, real or personal. 1874 J. Morley On Compromise 83 The growth of self-government, or government by deliberative bodies, representing opposed principles and conflicting interests. 1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. II. iii. liii. 333 The National Republican, ultimately the Whig party, represented many of the views of the former Federalists. 1894 J. T. Fowler in St. Adamnan Vita S. Columbae Introd. 53 The two Finnians represented Welsh and North British traditions respectively. 1901 Davenport (Iowa) Daily Leader 23 Aug. 6/2 They will represent the Democracy of the state better than the action of the reaffirmers. 1948 Economist 24 July 147/1 On each supervisory board five out of eleven members represent the workers' interests. 1998 I. Hunter Which? Guide to Employm. xvii. 270 Like trade unions, staff associations exist to represent the views of members. c. transitive. To serve as the representative of (a particular group, constituency, or party) in a legislative or deliberative assembly. ΘΚΠ society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > [verb (transitive)] > represent represent1550 forstand1642 personate1651 1550 T. Nicolls tr. Thucydides Hist. Peloponnesian War xiii. x. f. ccxiii ^v They assembled to the nomber of foore houndred fully determyned to assaulte and dryue awaye all those, that conducted the comon gouernance: pretendinge themself to be and represente all the comons. 1572 Olde & Auncient Order Keeping of Parl. in J. Hooker Order & Vsage Keeping of Parlement sig. Ciii^v They in time comming shall make aunswere for the preseruation of the King, them selues, and the Commons, whose persons they doo represent. 1643 W. Prynne Soveraigne Power Parl. iv. xiv. 20 It is undeniable, that the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Commons in Parliament, elected by the suffrages of the severall Counties, Cities, and Burroughs of England, really and legally represent all the Commons; and the Lords and they the whole Realm, and all the people of England. 1655 O. Cromwell Speech to Parl. 22d Jan., 1654 8 I have been careful of your Safety, and the Safety of those that you represented. 1700 R. Brady Contin. Hist. Eng. 427 The People ought to be free to Chuse Knights to represent them in Parlement, to propound their Grievances, and provide Remedies for them. 1712 A. Boyer Hist. Reign Queen Anne: Year the Tenth 332 It was propos'd, That Her Majesty should create Sixteen Hereditary Peers to represent the Nobility of Scotland in the British Parliament. 1778 E. Burke Let. 24 Apr. in Corr. (1961) III. 438 I do not wish to represent Bristol, or to represent any place, but upon Terms that shall be honourable. 1780 S. Johnson Let. 9 May (1992) III. 254 Did I tell you that Scot and Jones both offer themselves to represent the University in the place of Sir Roger Newdigate. a1901 J. Fiske Ess. Hist. & Literary (1902) i. v. 202 The matter was settled by the famous Connecticut compromise, according to which the upper house was to represent states, while the lower house represented population. 1996 Sunday Tel. 4 Feb. 20/4 Those representing constituencies outside London receive a generous accommodation allowance. d. transitive. In passive. To be served by a representative or representatives; to be acted for by. ΚΠ ?1572 J. Hooker Order & Vsage Keeping of Parlements sig. Giv The King with the concent of his Commons (who are represented by the Knights Citizens and Burgesses) may ordain & establish any Act or Law. a1687 W. Petty Polit. Arithm. (1690) 95 May not the three Kingdoms be United into one, and equally represented in Parliament? 1691 D. Gregory Let. 8 Aug. in I. Newton Corr. (1961) III. 161 In times of presbytery, each University is represented in the National or General Assembly by a Church man and a lay man. 1715 B. Willis Notitia Parl. I. Pref. p. vii Westminster, Peterborough, &c. were never represented in the House of Commons, 'till Edw. the 6th's Time. 1799 Public Char. 1799–1800 410 In the year 1754..he was chosen member for Honiton in Devonshire: a borough represented by his ancestors for a series of years. 1845 D. Mackenzie Emigrant's Guide 31 The town of Melbourne is represented by one member..in our Botany Bay Parliament. 1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 A committee of nine members, in which every Hanse Town was in its turn represented. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 126 The people and the aristocracy alike are to be represented..by officers elected for one or two years. 1960 H. Aptheker Amer. Revol. v. 88 This time delegates were present from all thirteen colonies, with New York officially represented by a strong delegation. 1998 Economist 8 Aug. 23/1 Three ‘majority-minority’ seats are represented by white Labour MPs, and the top echelons of the local council are also dominated by whites. e. transitive. Chiefly Sport. Of a competitor or team: to participate in a competition or event on behalf of (a club, region, country, etc.). ΚΠ 1877 Spirit of Times 15 Dec. 513/1 In a really International competition, the American rifleman should represent and be selected by a National Association. 1899 Harper's Weekly 28 Oct. 1098/3 Pennsylvania will not be represented by a team, not being a member of the Inter-collegiate Association. 1935 C. Brooks Jrnl. 13 May (1998) 109 In 1928 she was chosen as a ‘Beauty Queen’ to represent this country in an international contest. 1966 Encycl. N.Z. I. 33 One of the highest honours that a New Zealand sportsman can receive is to represent his country both at rugby and at cricket. 1992 Lewiston (Idaho) Morning Tribune (Nexis) 11 Mar. 11 a More than 12,000 students on teams representing more than 2,000 high schools nationwide are expected to participate in scholastic tournaments this year. 2008 Independent 5 Jan. (Mag.) 18/1 Later this year in Beijing she will represent Great Britain as BMX racing makes its debut as an Olympic sport. †2. transitive. To present the image or appearance of; to resemble. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > be like, resemble, or take after to bear a resemblance toa1225 semblec1330 resemble1340 to look likec1390 representa1398 belikec1475 assemble1483 express1483 to take after ——1553 figure1567 assimilate1578 besib1596 imitate1601 resemblance1603 respect1604 favour1609 image1726 mirror1820 facsimile1839 turn after ——1848 picture1850 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. iii. xiii. 102 Amonge alle creaturis þe resonabil soule representiþ most opunlich þe liknes of þe ymage of God. c1450 tr. G. Boccaccio De Claris Mulieribus (1924) l. 388 She shewyde hir selfe, a man as thowe she were, Representynge the prynce in figure and face. 1551 W. Turner New Herball sig. C vj Dyll groweth..wyth a spokye top as fenell hath, whome he doth represent wonders nere. 1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. i. xlviii. 158 The engines which Dionysius invented in Siracusa..did greatly represent, and come very neere our moderne inventions. 1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 855 On their outside they [sc. the valves of the veins] represent the knottes that are in the branches of plants. 1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια i. ii. 8 The rumbling of the guts, their croaking murmurs..do represent the fashion and manner of all kindes of thunders. 3. a. transitive. To symbolize (something abstract or intangible, as a quality, concept, etc.), to stand in the place of; (in later use also, with little or no implication of substitution) to signify, denote. ΘΚΠ society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > represent physically [verb (intransitive)] representc1400 society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > represent physically [verb (transitive)] representc1400 picturea1530 form1590 embody1741 to body forth1800–24 effigy1815 thing1883 vehiculate1928 c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 462 (MED) Ymagis þat representen pompe and glorie of þo worlde..bene false. 1508 W. Dunbar Ballade Barnard Stewart in Poems (1998) I. 179 The sueird of conquis..Be borne suld highe before the in presence, To represent sic man as thou has beyn. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxv An Appell of Golde, representynge the shape of the rounde worlde. 1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. i. 19 This hairy Meteor..With grizly type did represent Declining Age of Government. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 199 No sovereign has ever represented the majesty of a great state with more dignity and grace. 1906 E. Goldman tr. M. Baginski in P. Glassgold Anarchy! (2001) 298 Trade unionism represents to the workingman the most natural form of association with his fellow brother. 1928 Amer. Mercury Oct. 184/1 Modern Tongueism, as Dr. White calls it, represents to her demoniacal possession at its worst. 1991 Mother Jones Nov.–Dec. 23/2 For most of these women, the hijāb..represents freedom from the oppression of an overbearing western world. 2006 F. Kiernan & G. Hemphill Still Game: Scripts I. i. 23 That boy represents hope. No' just for you. No' just for me. For the lot of us. b. transitive. To act as a symbolic sign or substitute for (a person or thing); to symbolize, stand for, embody. ΘΚΠ society > communication > representation > [verb (transitive)] > of the representation representc1450 describea1536 adumbrate1537 fashion1590 to figure for1596 depaint1598 maintain1598 depicture1650 depict1871 c1450 Art Nombryng in R. Steele Earliest Arithm. in Eng. (1922) 37 If fro the 3 place me borowede an vnyte, That vnyte by respect of the figure that he came fro representith an c. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 211 (MED) Peple honoure noo thynge in theyme [sc. images of Saints] but God or..seyntes, whiche they represente to us. 1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes i, in Wks. 117/2 Wordes..be but ymages representing the things that the writer or speaker conceiueth in his minde. 1630 R. Brathwait Eng. Gentleman 170 There is no one game which may seeme to represent the state of mans life to the full, so well as the Chesse. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 116 This Colossus which represented the Sun, was cast by Chares the Lyndian. 1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 16 Mar. (1965) I. 390 I live in a place that very well represents the Tower of Babel. 1727 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II Calvary (in Heraldry) as a cross Calvary, is set on Steps to represent the Cross on which our Saviour suffered. 1777 D. Garrick Bundle of Prol. in Rev. Eng. Stud. (2007) 58 488 This Room is the Playhouse—the fine China in those Glass Cases, shall represent the Ladies. 1830 R. Hardie Hoyle made Familiar 2 The inventor [of cards] proposed, by the figures of the four suits,..to represent the four classes of men in the kingdom. 1856 A. P. Stanley Sinai & Palestine (1858) xii. 406 Cyprus thus visible from the mainland, represented to the Hebrew people the whole western world. 1968 New Larousse Encycl. Mythol. (new ed.) 19/1 Isis, in the Osirian myth, represents the rich plains of Egypt. 1991 Lit. & Ling. Computing 6 60/2 Replacement characters are used on screen to represent thorn, yogh, asc, and eth. 2008 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 14 Feb. 31/3 On the left-hand side are allegorical figures representing various strata of society. c. transitive. With personal subject: to cause to stand in the place of; to denote by (also with) a sign or symbol. ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > designation > designate [verb (transitive)] seala1225 designa1398 representa1645 sign1654 ticket1654 designate1677 signature1740 a1645 W. Browne tr. M. Le Roy Hist. Polexander (1647) v. i. 273 Certainly they knew well what a passion that is which we call Love, when they represented it by an Infant that had his Eies banded. 1693 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. I. vii. 264 It was from the Oval or Round Figure of the World that they represented it by an Egg. 1761 tr. C. Batteux Course Belles Lettres IV. iii. ix. 116 We have already defined what is meant by number, and have represented it by a water falling drop by drop. 1825 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 115 90 Since therefore the direction of the plane PQR is completely determined by the three quantities h, k, l, we may represent it by writing those three quantities thus, [etc.] 1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. ii. 39 If we represent the Sun by a globe about two feet in diameter, [etc.]. 1947 C. M. G. Lattes et al. in Nature 4 Oct. 455/1 We represent the primary mesons by the symbol π, and the secondary by μ. 1989 R. Dryer & G. Lata Exper. Biochem. i. iv. 85 True chemical equilibrium between HCl and its product ions lies so far to the right that we represent the situation..by an unidirectional arrow. 1994 T. Walsh in T. Dartnall Artific. Intelligence & Creativity ii. 186 Such an expression is called a ‘wavefront’, and we represent it with a box. 4. transitive. To constitute; to be, form, amount to. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > be (part of) [verb (transitive)] > be the or a component(s) of graitha1300 form1377 makea1393 compone1398 constitute1552 go1559 to make up1589 mould1602 compounda1616 integrate1638 elementate1660 compose1665 represent1776 comprise1794 account1893 1776 H. Clark & T. Wormull Short & Easy Introd. Heraldry (ed. 2) 43 Sagittarius, is an imaginary creature;..it represents one of the twelve celestial signs. 1818 Let. July in D. Turner Acct. Tour Normandy (1820) II. xxii. 139 Lisieux represents one of the most ancient capitals of the primitive tribes of Gaul. 1857 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 20 363/1 The figure 38 per cent. already mentioned, whilst it represents the greatest saving that was actually obtained, is probably not exaggerated. 1881 Nature No. 619. 437 When groups of animals become so far differentiated from each other as to represent separate species, they remain isolated. 1958 Times 8 Nov. 4/7 Assurances that the ionospheric forward-scatter radio station..will not represent a radiation hazard to the public have now been given officially. 1991 Internat. Jrnl. Refugee Law 3 186 These displaced persons..represent numerically the largest group benefiting from UNHCR's current programmes. 2006 M. Pollan Omnivore's Dilemma xiii. 248 Metropolitan buying clubs represent the fastest-growing segment of Joel's market. 5. a. transitive. To serve as a representative example of (a group or class); to typify, exemplify, or stand for, esp. in a specified context. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > find or furnish an instance or example of [verb (transitive)] > afford an example of examplec1443 exemplify1567 pattern1606 represent1838 the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > find or furnish an instance or example of [verb (transitive)] > be an example or specimen of paragonize1592 paragon1617 type1627 represent1838 typify1854 1838 T. R. Jones in Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. II. 413/1 The former..represent the Annelida; like the Abranchiate division of that class, they breathe by air-sacs. 1884 Bull. U.S. National Mus. No. 27. 697 This model [of boat] represents the class..exclusively used in the mackerel purse-seine fisheries of New England. 1957 Amer. Heart Jrnl. 54 352 These patients represent an important group of cardiacs who are often denied surgical relief. 1990 Lifestyle Summer 128/1 (advt.) Newquay Steam Beer has been chosen to represent drinks in the ‘Ideal Green Home’, one of the showpieces of this year's Ideal Home Exhibition. 2002 Science 25 Jan. 615/1 The newfound fossils represent four of the 13 families of plesiadapiforms, or archaic primates, dating to about 56 million years ago. b. transitive. In passive. Of a group or class: to be exemplified or given representation in a particular context by a specific instance or set of instances; (also more narrowly) to be illustrated completely or exhaustively by. ΚΠ 1846 J. Lindley Veg. Kingdom 411 Floating plants..on the continent of South America..are represented by Victoria. 1858 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 10 Jan. in French & Ital. Notebks. (1980) i. 26 A soup, in which twenty kinds of vegetables were represented. 1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. i. 34 The spiral or whirlpool nebulæ are represented by that in the constellation of Canes Venatici. 1905 W. L. Sclater in Sci. in S. Afr. 143 The Bustards (Otidæ) are represented by no less than twelve species. 1981 A. B. Kehoe N. Amer. Indians vii. 376/2 Macro-Algonkian is represented by two language isolates, Yurok..and Wiyot. 1990 Brit. Museum Mag. Sept. 13/1 Abstraction of the early 1950s is represented by the cool and subtle linocuts produced by Adrian Heath, Kenneth Martin and Robert Adams. 2008 Ashmolean Summer 17/2 They ponder with him a newly-acquired flint knife..; the ‘fishtail’ blade is recognizable as a type already represented in the Ashmolean, but the handle? c. transitive. Mathematics. To act as a representation of (a group). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > manipulate set [verb (transitive)] well-order1618 interpole1677 sum1740 interpolate1796 represent1897 truncate1955 intrapolate1956 partition1959 convolve1969 1897 W. Burnside Theory Groups of Finite Order ix. 177 A simple group can always be represented in primitive form. 1971 D. Gorenstein in M. B. Powell & G. Higman Finite Simple Groups ii. 77 We conclude that H/O_p(H) is faithfully represented as a linear group on the Frattini factor group of O_p(H). 2003 P. N. Cohn Further Algebra & Applic. iii. 110 Let X be a set and F the free group on X. Then every element of F is represented by exactly one reduced group word in X and two group words represent the same element of F if and only if they are equivalent. 6. transitive. Of a number or quantity: to indicate or imply (another quantity). ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)] > indicate a quantity represent1854 1854 Alton (Illinois) Weekly Courier 30 Mar. 4/2 Table showing the probable duration of life (100 Representing the chance of living longest). 1878 T. H. Huxley Physiography (ed. 2) 45 An inch of rain represents about 100 tons of water to the acre. 1919 L. H. Morrison Oil Engines xvi. 272 If..the line xx′ represents 1 foot of stroke, then the area obviously represents..100 foot-pounds of work done. 2006 Grocer 9 Dec. 47/4 M&S and Asda are ahead of Tesco, overtrading at 145 and 126 respectively compared with Tesco's 117 (100+ representing an overtrade). 7. transitive. To correspond to, take the place of; esp. (a) Zoology and Botany to be the counterpart of (a plant or animal group) in the fauna or flora of another region (now rare); (b) Anatomy and Biology to be equivalent to (a part) phylogenetically or ontogenetically. Usually in passive. ΘΚΠ the world > life > biology > balance of nature > distribution > [verb (transitive)] > represent represent1855 1855 E. Smith & W. S. Dallas Syst. Nat. Hist. II. 432 The Llamas, which represent the Camels in the New World. 1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight iii. 34 In the eye, the sides of the box are represented by the sclerotic. 1882 Encycl. Brit. XIV. 738/2 The old idea that they in some way ‘represented’ each other in the two hemispheres of the world was a mere fancy. 1937 Discovery Oct. 308/2 The cuttle ‘bone’ which we give to the canary is, in the squid, represented by a horny ‘pen’ of the shape of a flat pointed feather. 1946 H. Woods Palæontol. Invertebr. (ed. 8) 245 Sometimes the small embryonic shell..is found at the umbo of the adult shell; this represents the protegulum of the Brachiopods. 1993 Collins Compl. DIY Man. (new ed.) iii. 204/2 For an asymmetrically shaped pane of patterned glass supply a template, marking the surface that represents the outside face. 2006 J. T. Costa Other Insect Societies viii. 196 Clearly silk spinning by solitary species represents the ancestral condition, a behavior or capability spectacularly elaborated in some cases. II. To make present, bring to view. Cf. present v. I. * To depict, portray. 8. a. transitive. To render perceptible, make plain or manifest; to communicate to the senses, esp. the sight. ΘΚΠ society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)] to set beforea1000 openOE showlOE to put forth?c1225 kithe1297 to make (a) showing ofc1330 presenta1398 representa1398 to lay forthc1420 splayc1440 discovera1450 advisea1500 to set to (the) show?1510 to stall out1547 outlay1555 exhibit1573 strew1579 wray1587 displaya1616 ostentate1630 elevate1637 re-exhibita1648 expound1651 unveil1657 subject1720 flare1862 skin1873 patent1889 showcase1939 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 136 By entringe & incomynge of sonne bemes a cloude representiþ and schewiþ diuers formes and schappis & coloures. ?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Ciij^v It is in power, of god omnypotent His very presence, to us to represent. 1532 Romaunt Rose in Wks. G. Chaucer f. clxvii/2 Of her estate she [sc. Abstynence] her repented As her visage represented. 1567 J. Maplet Greene Forest f. 11 Iris..being..stricken of the Sunne his beames, doth represent and shewe both the figure and colours of the Rainebow vpon the wall next to it. 1660 G. Mackenzie Aretina ii. 126 Deaths horrid face represented in the mirrour of his dying friend, agasted him so, as that he was willing to ransome his life upon his knees. 1684 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 14 483 As by Polyscopes or Multiplying Glasses, one thing is represented to the Eye as many,..so by a Polyphone or Polyacoustick well order'd one Sound may be heard as many. 1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 145 But still th' imputed tints are those alone The medium represents, and not their own. 1867 Chem. News & Jrnl. Industr. Sci. 15 263/2 The principal curve in the diagram represents to the eye very roughly..the distribution of heat in the visible portion of the spectrum. a1881 S. Lanier Sci. Eng. Verse (1909) i. ii. 59 ‘Through’ is also but one verse-sound to the ear, though represented to the eye by seven letters, or signs of sound. 1907 M. E. Findlay tr. G. Compayré Herbart iii. 65 Thus, in teaching history, we shall make use of every means for representing to the eyes by way of sensation the things belonging to the past. 1987 D. Duncan Shadow xvii. 224 He caught Icefire's ferocious glare and thought that perhaps, just this once, that expression represented her true feelings. b. transitive. To bring clearly and distinctly before the mind or imagination; to describe, evoke, conjure; to imagine, conceptualize.In quot. 1692 intransitive. ΚΠ c1400 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Vernon) (1984) 35 (MED) Haue in þyn awter þe ymage of þe crucifix hangynge on þe cros, which represente to þe þe passioun of crist. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) Prol. l. 177 (MED) Vn-to vs her bokes represent With-out feynynge þe weie þat þei went. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 18 Auld storys that men redys Representis to thaim the dedys Of stalwart folk that lywyt ar. 1546 S. Gardiner Declar. True Articles (new ed.) f. lxvi The carpenter for example as he excelleth in cunnynge so dothe he conceyue so muche the more sodenly, & with a smal short thought represent to hym selfe all the hole frame of that he wyll worke perfitely. 1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xxvii. 505 The Dreame representeth vs the stone heawen without hand. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. A2 Wherefore representing your Maiestie many times vnto my mind,..I haue been..possessed with an extreame woonder at those your virtues. View more context for this quotation 1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 18 The other..studieth also to expresse things prefigured only and represented by the phantasie. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 104 Of all external things, Which the five watchful Senses represent, She forms Imaginations. View more context for this quotation 1692 J. Norris Cursory Refl. Ess. Human Understanding 27 in Christian Blessedness (ed. 2) Our Ideas..are immaterial as to their Representation, that is, they represent after an immaterial manner. a1708 W. Beveridge Thes. Theologicus (1710) I. 261 Why is God said to have a head and hands? To represent Him the better to our capacities. 1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 168 Those People who have any Notion of a G O D, must represent Him to themselves as something Superior. 1778 J. Aikin Thomson's Seasons in Ess. p. xxi The poet..begins with representing the reviviscent plants emerging. 1853 W. Thomson Outl. Laws of Thought (ed. 3) 25 (note) A subjective tendency in a poet or thinker would be a preponderating inclination to represent the moods and states of his own mind. 1856 P. E. Dove Logic Christian Faith Introd. 4 Man may have knowledge which he cannot represent to his formal reason. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 95/1 It remains, therefore, to complete the work by representing the character of the country. 1910 Monist 20 591 It is the nature of conception to represent to the mind that which is not present in sense. 2004 M. Potter Set Theory & its Philos. vii. 124 We can represent space to ourselves as continuous whether or not it really is. 9. a. transitive. To portray in an artistic medium or by artistic means (typically painting or sculpture); (of an artist, etc.) to depict or evoke (a subject). ΘΚΠ society > communication > representation > [verb (transitive)] depaint?c1225 paintc1275 figurec1380 resemblea1393 portraya1398 represent?a1425 impicture1523 portrait1548 shadow1553 to paint forth1558 storize1590 personate1591 limn1593 propound1594 model1604 table1607 semble1610 rendera1616 to paint out1633 person1644 present1649 to figure out1657 historize1668 to fancy out1669 to take off1680 figurate1698 refer1700 display1726 depicture1739 depict1817 actualize1848 society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > represent in art [verb (transitive)] workOE shapea1375 express1382 marka1393 resemblea1393 portraya1398 devisea1400 makea1400 represent?a1425 counterfeitc1440 to set on write1486 porturea1500 emporturea1529 story1532 portrait1548 show1565 decipher1567 portraiture1581 to set forth1585 emblazea1592 stell1598 defigure1599 infigure1606 effigiate1608 deportract1611 deportray1611 rendera1616 image1624 configure1630 exiconize1641 effigies1652 to take off1680 mimic1770 paraphrase1961 ?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 38 Ȝit es þare paynting, whare in þe grete dole þat þai made es representid and purtraid. 1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour ii. iii. sig. Oiii^v Painted tables, and images, containyng histories: wherin is represented some monument of vertue..wherby other men in beholdynge, may be instructed. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. iii. sig. C2^v The painter meaning to represent the present condition of the young Ladie. 1661 O. Felltham Lett. xvii. 88 in Resolves (rev. ed.) They forbad the Holy Ghosts being represented in the form of a Dove. 1663 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 14 Pilasters, through whose bodies Lions are represented to creep. 1664 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders (new ed.) i. 16 To direct the Sculptors how to Represent those Images. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Calvary Such is the Church of St. Valerian, near Paris; which is accompany'd with several Chapels, in each whereof is represented in Sculpture one of the Mysteries of the Passion. 1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvi. 160 My wife desired to be represented as Venus. 1799 J. Strutt Compl. View Dress & Habits People of Eng. II. v. 283 She is represented as a mightly precise dame, with her wimple neatly pinched, or plaited. 1821 W. M. Craig Lect. Drawing viii. 422 The subjects for these purposes should always be represented as if placed at a considerable degree of elevation. 1843 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters I. 9 What is commonly considered the whole art of painting, that is, the art of representing any natural object faithfully. 1901 Daily News 23 Feb. 6/4 The Prince Consort is represented..as wearing low-heeled, square-toed ‘Derbies’, with buckles on them. 1987 J. Robinson in P. Alperson What is Music? (1994) ii. vi. 179 When Schubert represents the leaping of a trout, his music does not attempt to sound like a trout; instead Schubert gives us a musical ‘description’ of the movement of the trout. 2002 R. Goffen Renaissance Rivals (2004) ii. iv. 77 Michelangelo represented men battling Centaurs in a composition notable for its narrative obfuscations. b. transitive. Of a picture, an image, etc.: to portray, depict, show. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > represent in art [verb (transitive)] > of pictures or images representa1500 a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 85 (MED) Make þin pylgrimage nought to þe ymage..but to hym and for hym þat þe ymage representyȝt. c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 1913 (MED) The thryd wall..The Tyme representeth of Reuocacion. 1634 T. Jackson Knowledg of Christ Jesus vii. xi Chimeras, or painted devices which represent no visible creature. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant 94 There is one over the Gate, representing in bas relief our Saviour's riding into Jerusalem upon the Ass. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 26. ¶5 The Monuments of their Admirals..represent 'em like themselves. 1731 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II. (ed. 2) Masque (with Architects), certain pieces of sculpture, representing some hideous form; grotesque or satyrs faces, used to fill up or adorn some vacant places. 1794 Columbian Gazetteer 16 Oct. 3/4 One [painting] represents the flight of the holy family of Joseph and Mary. 1800 M. Starke Lett. from Italy II. 126 Two paintings representing Genii with symbols relative to Bacchanlian feasts and ceremonies. 1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 413 Two allegorical pieces by..Holbein, representing the Triumph of Riches and the Triumph of Poverty respectively. 1873 W. Black Princess of Thule iii. 44 The four walls were..covered by a paper of foreign manufacture, representing spacious Tyrolese landscapes, and incidents of the chase. 1906 R. Lanciani Golden Days of Renaissance in Rome vi. 263 The basrelief represents the Redeemer sitting by the well. 1923 Times 7 June 11/2 The picture represents a scene at a fire in a modern house, with a mother seizing her rescued child from the arms of a fireman. 2003 Rotunda Summer–Fall 29/1 The sculpture represents a type of Indic goddess called a yogini. 10. a. transitive. To depict (an action, story, scene, etc.) by acting or miming; to perform or produce on the stage. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > perform [verb (transitive)] > put on a performance representa1438 present1573 to bring out1818 mount1828 produce1836 stage1924 a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 140 (MED) On a Good Fryday..þe sayd creatur behelde preystys..representyng þe lamentabyl deth and doolful berying of owr Lord Ihesu Crist. ?a1525 Play Sacram. 10 And yt lyke yow to here y^e purpoos of y^is play that [ys] representyd now in yower syght. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. xv. 27 These matters were also..represented by action as that of the Comedies. 1615 R. Brathwait Strappado 161 Saint Bartlemews, where all the Pagents showne, And all those acts from Adam vnto Noe Vs'd to be represent. 1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. xcvii. 391 Such like Spectacles..did but little honour to those that caused them to be represented. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) II. 449 This night we went to the Opera, which are comedies and other plays represented in Recitative Musiq. 1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 203 In China we may..represent Comedies, and dance Balls in a Lanthorn. 1774 T. Warton Hist. Eng. Poetry I. 233 In what manner, if ever, this piece was represented theatrically, cannot easily be discovered. a1800 G. Steevens in J. Boswell Life Johnson (1831) V. 222 Goldsmith's last comedy was to be represented during some court-mourning. a1822 P. B. Shelley tr. J. W. von Goethe Scenes from Faust in Posthumous Poems (1824) 415 Quite a new piece, the last of seven, for 'tis The custom now to represent that number. 1894 Daily News 6 June 2/4 The royalties, that is to say the payments made during the year 1893 for permission to represent the play. 1908 J. E. Spingam Hist. Lit. Crit. in Ren. (rev. ed.) iii. 68 Giraldi gives it as a universal rule of the drama that nothing should be represented on the stage which could not with propriety be done in one's own house. 2005 S. Maslan Revol. Acts ii. 39 What made the theater a menace to order was not the plays themselves but the fact that they were represented before and in the presence of an audience. b. transitive. To portray (a role or character) on the stage; to act the part or depict the actions and characteristics of (a person). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (transitive)] > a part or character playc1390 enact1430 representc1475 perform1598 personate1598 present1598 do1600 to bring (a person) on or to the stage1602 stage1602 support1693 impersonate1715 sustain1731 be1814 portray1875 fake1876 inact1900 c1475 Wisdom (Folger) (1969) 101 (MED) I..represent here þe sowll of man. a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 293 (MED) To representyn in pleyynge at Cristemesse Heroudis & þe thre kyngis..is leful and comendable. 1592 T. Nashe Pierce Penilesse (Brit. Libr. copy) sig. H2 The Tragedian that represents his person. 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 213 The Physician, a person the fittest in the World to represent a Fool in a play. 1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 48. ⁋5 Persons who represent Heroes in a Tragedy. 1752 R. Bathurst in Adventurer 14 Nov. ⁋8 Amazons; to represent whom, I have hired all the wonderful tall men and women..in this town. 1823 W. Scott St. Ronan's Well II. vii. 163 Oberon, the King of Shadows, whose sovereign gravity..was somewhat indifferently represented by the silly gaiety of Miss in her Teens. 1892 Harper's Mag. Sept. 625/2 He was as modest, as simple, and as manly in character as are the characters he represented on the stage. 1917 J. Agate Buzz, Buzz! ii. 146 The Repertory actress sometimes succeeds in sending you away from the theatre concerned for the character she has been representing. 1958 Times Lit. Suppl. 24 Jan. 47/3 Those actors on the stage who cannot represent a member of the rural lower classes without bent knees. 1995 Guardian 12 Sept. i. 2/1 His Ariel is..represented on stage by a chorus of bewigged, mute musicians. †c. intransitive. To appear on the stage; to act, perform. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (intransitive)] playa1450 to play (also act) a (also one's) part1540 representa1547 act1598 interlude1608 personate1623 to tread the stage (the boards)1691 perform1724 to go on1769 theatricalize1794 histrionize1851 play-act1856 a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Fourth Bk. Aeneas (1554) iv. sig. Di Lyke Orestes Agamemnons sonne: In tragedyes who represented [v.r. -eth] aye Dryuen about. 1767 Ann. Reg. 1766 Characters 7/1 I gave him a taste for..the ‘petits operas’ in which I sung and represented myself. 11. a. transitive. To set out clearly before a person (an argument, account of a situation, etc.); to submit formally to a person or audience, typically with a view to influencing action or opinion. Chiefly with clause as object. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > clearly or explicitly clarifyc1420 representc1443 define1535 express1600 to lay (or put) it on the line1954 the mind > possession > giving > offer or action of offering > offer [verb (transitive)] > present formally for acceptance present1424 representc1443 tender1528 introduce1698 c1443 R. Pecock Reule of Crysten Religioun (1927) 429 Argumentis to hem mynystrid and not to her resoun representid wiþ sufficient tariaunce vpon hem. 1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. lxvi. 135 There was represent unto him the great danger which he feared might happen unto him. 1646 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1872) II. 62 To represent and show to them the distressed and desolat caice of this toun. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 78 They went..to the Kiaya Bey, and having represented to him how long they had served, [etc.]. 1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 41 The condition of his Son..was argument of great compassion; and was lively, and successfully represented to the King himself. 1741 S. Johnson Deb. Senate Lilliput in Gentleman's Mag. Dec. 632 To obviate those Dangers from the Army which have been so strongly and justly represented. 1794 C. Smith Wanderings of Warwick 148 He represented to me, that..it would be unworthy of me to assail him with words of reproach. 1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Devereux I. i. ii. 11 I have just represented to my good brother the necessity of sending my sons to school. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 63 It would have been useless to represent these things to James. 1864 D. G. Mitchell Seven Stories 79 I represented my official character to the doorkeeper. 1931 J. Gavorse Suetonius' Lives Twelve Caesars i. 9 Into those who advocated greater severity [he struck terror], by representing to them what universal odium would be attached to their memories. 1953 G. Heyer Cotillion xi. 177 He nerved himself to expostulate with Kitty, representing to her that to be striking up an acquaintanceship..could in no way add to her consequence. 2008 Daily Tel. 21 Mar. 6/7 She will represent the views of the hospitals to the Government. †b. intransitive. To present objections to something; to make representations against. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > protesting or remonstrance > protest or remonstrate [verb (intransitive)] quarrelc1391 reclaimc1425 to make courtesy (at)1542 protest1550 recontest1611 objurgate1642 obtest1650 remonstrant1654 remonstrate1655 represent1717 protest1870 1717 Visct. Bolingbroke Let. to Windham (1753) 27 When the queen seemed to intend a change in her ministry, they had deputed some of their members to represent against it. 1782 R. Cumberland Anecd. Painters Spain II. 81 The Chapter objected to his nomination, and deputed two of their body to represent to Philip against the person of Cano. 1828 Cases decided on Appeal from Courts Scotl. 1824 360 Davidson represented against the findings in this judgment. 1861 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 2) xvi. 248 He..prosecuted seven Prelates for representing against his Declaration appointed to be read in all Churches. 12. †a. intransitive. To make a claim. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > morality > dueness or propriety > [verb (intransitive)] > put forward a claim claim1303 to call upon ——1472 represent1498 to lay in1603 to lay claim toa1616 title1633 1498 Interpr. Names Goddis & Goddesses (de Worde) sig. Bvi^v/1 (MED) All tho that represent To be callyd goddys at that banket Resemble false ydollys. b. transitive. To describe or portray in a particular way; to assert or declare as being of a specified character or kind. With as, †for, to be. Cf. paint v.¹ 4a. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)] > describe the character of represent1513 relate1582 personate1591 endorse1596 rendera1616 worda1616 character1618 person1644 exponec1650 characterize1653 1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vii. ii. 53 Picus the king, quhilk dois the represent, Saturnus, for his fader and parent. 1612 E. Grimeston tr. P. Matthieu Heroyk Life Henry IV i. 68 Hee did represent it easie, safe, and commodious. 1663 J. Spencer Disc. Prodigies Pref. sig. A iv^v Gregory the Great (represented to Posterity as one most studious of the propagation of the Christian Religion). 1685 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 142 Radcliff represented him to be a turbulent man. 1714 A. Pope Corr. 8 June (1956) I. 230 May they represent me what they will, as long as you think me what I am. 1764 T. Harmer Observ. Passages Script. i. xviii. 43 The trees are represented..as but just grown green at Jerusalem in March. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. ix. 444 Sunderland they represented as the chief conspirator. 1874 L. Stephen Hours in Libr. 1st Ser. 339 Society is not what Balzac represents it to be. 1900 S. J. Weyman Story Francis Cludde (new ed.) xvi. 187 They are represented to me as dangerous persons. 1914 Scotsman 30 Oct. 9/6 ‘Bertha’ is not the delicate plaything that it has sometimes been represented to be. 1968 R. Passmore & J. S. Robson Compan. Med. Stud. I. xxvi. 16 The conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin is not as simple as previously represented. 1989 Gamut Summer 37/1 Popular portrayals represent scientists as loners, working in isolation. In fact, any scientist works under the constant scrutiny of peers. c. transitive (reflexive). To present oneself as having a particular character, set of attributes, etc. ΚΠ 1591 G. B. A. F. tr. Discouery Subtiltie & Wisedome Italians xxxiv. 53 He representeth himselfe as a Standerbarer of Christs catholike church, who ought to here his voyce, and doe after his commandements. 1669 G. Whitehead Divinity of Christ iii. 29 God cannot represent himself otherwise than he is; It's true: Where doth he thus represent himself as these men do, with such invented terms, vain tautologies, and confusion? 1694 N. H. Ladies Dict. 339/2 I infer..That for Aged persons by any habit or dresses to represent themselves as young and youthful, is sinfull. 1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle IV. cvii. 249 The warden; to whom the lieutenant, in his great wisdom, represented himself as a kinsman to Peregrine. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India I. ii. ii. 107 The first legislator of the Hindus..appears to have represented himself as the republisher of the will of God. 1898 Argosy Aug. 16 She was the ardent patriot she represented herself to be. 1966 J. I. M. Stewart Aylwins xii. 141 I must not represent myself as seduced into a total regardlessness of my commission. 2003 Focus July (Kings of Egypt Suppl.) He [sc. Ramesses III] represented himself as a warrior, with the attributes of Ramesses II. d. transitive. To allege or declare that. Law and archaic in later use. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)] ledgea1300 vouch1390 allege?a1400 suppose1411 pretendc1449 to-layc1450 reckonc1480 compare1536 obtend1573 make1593 represent1651 to trump up1697 1651 Weekly Intelligencer 8 July 218 The Letters from Ireland did this day represent, that our Ships with Money and Provisions are safely arrived in the Bay of Galloway. 1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. vi. 152 They represented that there were so many Italians..beneficed among them, that their yearly revenue exceeded the revenue of the Crown. 1698 Mem. E. Ludlow I. 145 He represented that they had been endeavouring to obey their Orders. 1712 T. Ellwood Davideis iv. vii. 241 They represented, that the Enemy Would not regard, if Half of them should dy; So much as if they him could take, or slay. Therefore they begg'd, He from the Field would stay. 1817 J. B. Burges Advertisement ii. i, in Dramas 146 I only venture to represent that two hundred pounds—. 1891 Barber in Law Times 90 395/1 The defendant did represent that the cow was..sound, when he knew it was not so. 1929 O. A. Marti Econ. Causes of Reformation in Eng. 122 It was represented that the church possessed 18,400 ploughs of land. 1993 Farms For Sale (Huron, Grey, & Bruce Counties, Ont.) Aug.–Oct. 4 (advt.) Although the vendors and brokers have represented that such information is accurate the Publisher does not represent the accuracy of the same. † To bring forward, introduce. 13.** a. transitive. To bring before or into the presence of; to present to, introduce, esp. formally or ceremoniously. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > presence > present oneself [verb (reflexive)] presenta1393 representc1425 render1619 the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)] sayOE devisec1300 readc1300 to make (a) showing ofc1330 counterfeitc1369 expressc1386 scrievec1390 descrya1400 scrya1400 drawa1413 representc1425 describec1450 report1460 qualify?1465 exhibit1534 perscribe1538 to set out1545 deline1566 delineate1566 decipher1567 denotate1599 lineate16.. denote1612 givea1616 inform?1615 to shape out1633 speaka1637 display1726 to hit off1737 the world > space > place > presence > be present at [verb (transitive)] > be in the presence of > bring (a person) into the presence of presentc1300 representc1425 delivera1616 render1645 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 6034 Þei to-gidre wente Tofore þe kyng & Calchas represente To alle þe lordis. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) (1859) i. xi. 8 Representeth yo self smartely to this iugement, by ordre, as ye shal be clepyd. 1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) iv. xxix. sig. ll.i ^v She [sc. the soul]..leueth her body and her representeth vnto hym vnto his blyssed pleaser. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. i. 114 In the day time they did represent themselues before the Gouernours. b. transitive. To bring (a person) to some state or experience. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [verb (transitive)] > raise in prosperity, power, or rank > advance or promote (a person) > to some status prefera1393 promote1402 promovec1425 represent1435 move1556 R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 7 (MED) Hayle..lufe euerlastynge þat..to þe sight of godis maiestee vs representys. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lv. 28 (MED) Good Besynesse..schal kepen ȝoure body from Alle torment and to Endeles blysse ȝow Represent. c1475 Court of Sapience (Trin. Cambr.) (1927) 728 (MED) O souuerayn kyng of blys, I shall reward echon wyth theyr entent And man ayene to thy blysse represent. c. transitive. To bring forth, produce. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > produce or bring forth doeOE makelOE to bring forthc1175 farrow?c1225 childc1350 fodmec1390 raise1402 spring?1440 upbringc1440 breed1526 procreate1546 hatch1549 generate1556 product1577 deprompt1586 produce1587 spire1590 sprout1598 represent1601 effer1606 depromea1652 germinate1796 output1858 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. ii. iii. 2 That as the heauen moveth, it doth represent indeed a pleasant and incredible sweet harmonie both day and night. †III. To give, offer, deliver. Cf. present v. II. 14. transitive. To give or deliver (a person or thing); spec. to transmit or transfer to a person's custody. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ ?c1430 (c1400) Rule St. Francis (Corpus Cambr.) in F. D. Matthew Eng. Wks. Wyclif (1880) 47 Þei schullen presenten hym to þe nexte custode of þat place..and..þat custode..represente hym in his owen persone in þe hondis of his mynystre, and..þe mynystre..to holde hym..til þat he represente hym to þe cardynal hostiense. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lii. 500 (MED) He Is A manne that ȝow Alle hath taken As presoneres, And to Me Represented now here. 1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus iv. f. 54 Thisbe..kneilland vpon hir kne, To Rhamnusia the missiue represent Fra the Assise. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 493 The Thurines honoured and said Ælius with a statue of brasse, and represented to him a coronet of gold. 1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar xii. §7 We are taught to pray not that it be all at once represented or deposited, but that God would minister it as we need it. 15. transitive. To offer or render (service) to a person. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > give [verb (transitive)] > present offerlOE present?1316 representa1500 subvect?1572 the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > be useful to [verb (transitive)] > perform (a useful service) representa1500 render1591 present1604 a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Nero) v. Prol. l. 46 Þir ar þe twa gret lichtis..Þat oyssis for to represent And to mynystir þar serwice Tyme be tyme. 1532 (?a1405) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 418 (MED) Princesse of beautie, to you I represent This symple dyte. Derivatives repreˈsented adj. ΚΠ a1569 A. Kingsmill Viewe Mans Estate (1580) xi. 75 This is the true represented Isaac, that humbleth himself to the Aultar. 1626 T. Adams Five Serm. v. 22 It is a silly shift to say, the honor done to the Images, reflects vpon the represented Saints. 1789 T. Twining tr. Aristotle Treat. Poetry 40 Plato drew his idea of the MIMHΣIΣ of poetry from the theatre itself, and from the personal imitations of represented tragedy. 1822 J. Flint Lett. from Amer. 147 His protection is the affection of a free and a represented people. 1883 Daily News 11 Oct. 2/2 The auditors were afforded no facilities..for ascertaining whether the represented securities really existed. 1943 C. de Tolnay Hist. & Technique Old Master Drawings vi. 63 The self-contained closed form of the represented space. 2005 D. M. Lopes Sight & Sensibility v. 189 The represented figures possess interiority and physicality. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online June 2022). > see also also refers to : re-presentv.² < n.a1500v.¹c1390 see also
随便看	erne erne-fern erne-hued erne-stone erned ernefern ernehued ernes ernest ernestine ernestone ernie erning erns erodable erode eroded erodent erodents erodes erodibilities erodibility erodible eroding erogate

† representn.

representv.1

Derivatives

> see also

representv.¹