noun

representation

rep-rih-zen-TAY-shuhn/ˌreprɪzenˈteɪʃn/

The act of standing for someone or something.

The advocate provides representation for her neighbors at the town meeting.

White female advocate speaks at a town meeting on behalf of neighbors seated behind her, no text.

Etymology

reLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+presentLatinto present, place before

+ationLatinact or process

The pieces express an act of “making present,” with re- perhaps intensive. Beyond showing an image, representation can give people a presence in public affairs through someone who speaks or acts for them.

In context

KAIROS Canada189:46

to form an etobicoke climate action group and we're still a part of that group with representation on that group through myself

2021 Great Lakes /St. Lawrence Gathering: Furthering Reconciliation

More examples

The lawyer offers free legal representation to tenants facing eviction.
Students want greater representation on the school board.
These drawings are simplified representations of the human heart.

Forms

representation · representations

represent verb — To speak or act on someone's behalf.

representative noun — Someone who acts on behalf of others.

Similar words

advocacy: Emphasizes actively supporting people’s interests, not merely speaking for them.
agency: Emphasizes authority to act for someone in business or law.