noun
agent
AY-juhnt/ˈeɪdʒənt/
A representative empowered to act for another.
The violinist's agent leads the discussion with the venue organizer.
Etymology
The root “do” with a participial ending gives the idea of someone acting. Agent first meant “one who acts,” then developed the representative sense: someone authorized to act for another.
In context
those who pay their rent to a letting agent can expect a higher standard but those who pay the rent to a landlord can't
More examples
- A federal agent interviewed witnesses about the suspected fraud.
- The intelligence service recruited an agent inside the embassy.
- The software agent checks the schedule and suggests available meeting times.
Forms
agent · agents
agency noun — An organization providing services or representation.
Similar words
- representative
- Emphasizes acting or speaking for another person or group.
- delegate
- Usually receives authority for a particular meeting or assignment.