verb
represent
To describe something as being true or a certain way.
The seller represents the car as reliable and accident-free.
Etymology
Represent carries the idea of presenting something to another's understanding. In this sense it describes presenting a claim about how things are.
More examples
- The brochure represents the hotel as a quiet retreat.
- She represented herself as an expert, but she lacked training.
- The report represents these estimates as established facts.
Forms
represent · represents · represented · representing
misrepresent verb — To describe something falsely or inaccurately.
Similar words
- portray
- Emphasizes the impression created rather than a claim of fact.
- characterize
- Identifies defining qualities rather than presenting a claim as fact.