Definition of "representative"

representative

/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈzɛnt(ət)ɪv/

adjective
comparative more representative, superlative most representative
1. Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
  Quotations
  THE POCKET ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF BRITISH STEAM LOCOMOTIVES. By O. S. Nock. Blandford Press. 18s.Mr. Nock, he remarks in his preface, was "incredulous" when the idea of this book of 192 colour gravure illustrations of a representative collection of British steam locomotives from Locomotion to BR's Evening Star was broached to him.
  1964 December, “New Books”, in Modern Railways, page 429
  If you took all the fools out of the legislature, it wouldn't be a representative body anymore.
  c. 1977, Carl Parker (attributed quote)
2. Representing, showing a likeness.
noun
plural representatives
1. A delegate.
  1. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.
    Quotations
    Each vessel in the Fleet has the right to send representatives to the Conclave aboard the flagship. The number of representatives is based on crew size. Larger clans, with bigger ships and more votes, form the cores of political blocs. Opposition comes from the Outriders' Coalition, with delegates from thousands of smaller ships.
    2008, BioWare, Mass Effect, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, PC, scene: Quarians: Government Codex entry
  2. One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity.
  3. (law) An heir.
    Quotations
    This pathetic remonstrance had the desired effect upon his representative, who spared no pains to fulfill the request of the deceased […] .
    1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […]
  4. (US, politics) Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives.
  5. A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman.
2. Something standing for something else.
  1. Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment.
    Quotations
    The furniture was the same when she married..[ ]..The only representatives of to-day, were two large and comfortable arm-chairs, and a few elegant-looking trifles, the work of the Misses Granard.
    1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “(please specify the page)”, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, pages 131–133
  2. A member of a particular class.
    Quotations
    The USS Manila Bay, in the next group south of Taffy 3, services aircraft from eleven different squadrons that aren't attached to her own flight group, and, at one point, has representatives from no less than four other carriers' airgroups on her flight deck at the same time.
    2019 February 27, Drachinifel, 28:07 from the start, in The Battle of Samar - Odds? What are those?‎, archived from the original on 3 November 2022
    Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type.
  3. A substitute or analogue.