representative

Etymology

From Middle English (implied in representatyfliche), from Old French representatif. By surface analysis, represent + -ative; See representation.

adj

1. Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
   THE POCKET ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF BRITISH STEAM LOCOMOTIVES. By O. S. Nock. Blandford Press. 18s. Mr. Nock, he remarks in his preface, was "incredulous" when the idea of this book of 192 colour gravure illustrations of a representative collection of British steam locomotives from Locomotion to BR's Evening Star was broached to him. 1964 December, “New Books”, in Modern Railways, page 429
   If you took all the fools out of the legislature, it wouldn't be a representative body anymore. c. 1977, Carl Parker (attributed quote)
2. Representing, showing a likeness.
   Are you sure this paper is representative of your child's writing?
   the representative faculty of the human imagination

noun

1. A delegate.
   1. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.
      She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.
      Each vessel in the Fleet has the right to send representatives to the Conclave aboard the flagship. The number of representatives is based on crew size. Larger clans, with bigger ships and more votes, form the cores of political blocs. Opposition comes from the Outriders' Coalition, with delegates from thousands of smaller ships. 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Quarians: Government Codex entry
   2. One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity.
      I will send a representative to work out the details of the contract.
   3. (law) An heir.
   4. (US, politics) Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives.
      All representatives face re-election every two years.
   5. A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman.
2. Something standing for something else.
   1. Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment.
   2. A member of a particular class.
      The USS Manila Bay, in the next group south of Taffy 3, services aircraft from eleven different squadrons that aren't attached to her own flight group, and, at one point, has representatives from no less than four other carriers' airgroups on her flight deck at the same time. 27 February 2019, Drachinifel, 28:07 from the start, in The Battle of Samar - Odds? What are those?, archived from the original on 2022-11-03
      1. Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type.
   3. A substitute or analogue.