Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv/
KK: /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv/
Definition
Describing someone or something that acts on behalf of others or is typical of a group.
Example
The committee selected a representative member to speak for the group.
Conversation

I think that new team member is really representative of our company culture.

Yeah, they seem to fit right in with everyone else.

It's great to have someone who is so representative of our values.

Definitely! It makes working together much easier.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
unrepresentative
atypical
nonrepresentative
Definition
A person who is chosen to act or speak for others, often in a government or organization.
Example
The representative spoke on behalf of the community at the meeting.
Conversation

Did you hear about the new representative in our district?

Yeah, I read a bit about them online.

I wonder what their plans are for the community as our representative.
Root Explanation
Representative → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "presentare" (meaning to present). The word "representative" means someone who presents something again or on behalf of others.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'presents' ('presentare') something 'again' ('re-') — that's why a representative is someone who presents on behalf of others.
Visually Confused Words
unrepresentative
presentative
nonrepresentative
misrepresentative
overrepresentative
omnirepresentative
archrepresentative
presentatively