Representative Meaning
Representative Definition & Usage
A person who is chosen or appointed to act or speak for others, often in a formal or official capacity.
Examples
- "The representative from the company gave an excellent presentation at the conference."
- "As the elected representative of our district, he will advocate for local issues."
- "She is the official representative of the country at the United Nations."
- "The senator's representative attended the town hall to answer questions."
- "Each department has a representative who attends the monthly management meeting."
Serving as a typical example of a group or class, showing the qualities or characteristics of a larger whole.
Examples
- "Her performance was representative of the entire team's effort."
- "The painting is a representative example of Renaissance art."
- "His behavior was not representative of the values of the company."
- "The survey provided a representative sample of the population."
- "This data is not representative of the overall trend."
Cultural Context
The word 'representative' comes from the Latin word 'representare', meaning 'to present or exhibit'. Over time, it evolved in various contexts, including politics, business, and art. In politics, it refers to elected officials acting on behalf of their constituents. In business and organizations, it refers to people who represent the interests or views of a company or group. It is also used in art and science to describe typical or sample examples of a broader category.
The Representative's Dilemma
Story
The Representative's Dilemma
Sophia had just been elected as the new representative for her district, and she knew the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders. Her constituents expected her to speak up for their concerns in the city council meetings, but she quickly learned that being a representative wasn't just about making speeches — it was about listening, understanding, and navigating complex issues. One day, as she was preparing for a town hall meeting, she found herself questioning what it truly meant to be a representative. Was she simply someone who relayed the opinions of others, or was she someone who set the course for change? As she walked into the crowded room, the murmurs of anxious voters filled the air. They were there because they wanted answers, not just from a politician, but from a person who could embody their hopes and frustrations. 'Sophia, as a representative, how do you plan to fix the school funding issue?' a teacher asked, her voice trembling with concern. 'I’ll work with the council to allocate more resources, but I also need to hear from other teachers and students. Your voices will guide me,' Sophia replied confidently, trying to embody the ideal of a representative leader who listens to the people. Later that evening, Sophia sat with her team, reviewing a proposed policy on housing. It was a document filled with numbers and statistics, but Sophia knew she needed to ensure that the policy was representative of the community’s diverse needs. She couldn't just push through an agenda; she needed something that truly reflected the voices of all those she was representing. The next day, during a council meeting, she stood up to speak, presenting the new policy with a sense of pride. It was a representative solution — balanced, fair, and crafted from the concerns of the people she served. Her speech wasn’t just a performance; it was a symbol of her commitment to the district. As the meeting ended, one of her colleagues pulled her aside. 'You know, Sophia, you are becoming the perfect example of a representative. You’re not just passing laws — you’re embodying the will of the people.' Sophia smiled, knowing that her role was not just to speak for her constituents, but to be an authentic representative of their diverse voices and hopes.
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