representative
UK: ˌreprɪˈzentətɪv | US: ˌreprɪˈzentətɪv
n. 1. A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for others.
n. 2. An example or type that embodies characteristics of a broader group.
adj. 1. Serving as a typical or characteristic example.
adj. 2. Relating to a system of governance where elected officials act on behalf of constituents.
The word "representative" traces back to Latin repraesentare ("to present again"), combining re- (expressing repetition) and praesentare ("to present"). The root present originates from prae- ("before") + esse ("to be"), reflecting the idea of "showing visibly." Over time, the suffix -ative (from Latin -ativus) was added to form an adjective meaning "capable of showing again" or "acting as a stand-in." The term evolved in Middle French (representatif) before entering English in the 15th century, initially describing symbolic or delegated authority.
She was elected as the class representative.
This painting is representative of the artist's early style.
The survey included a representative sample of the population.
The lawyer acted as a legal representative for the client.
The model is highly representative of real-world conditions.