transitive verb

1. to present or picture to the mind
2. 1. to present a likeness or image of; portray; depict
   2. to be a likeness or image of, as a picture or statue may be
3. to present in words; describe, state, or set forth; specif.,
   1. to describe as having a specified character
   2. to set forth forcibly or earnestly, so as to influence action, persuade hearers, make effective protest, etc.
4. 1. to be a sign or symbol for; stand for; symbolize x represents the unknown
   2. to denote by symbols, characters, etc. to represent quantities by letters
5. to be the equivalent of; correspond to, as in a different place or time a cave represented home to them
6. 1. to present, produce, or perform (a play, etc.)
   2. to act the part of (a character), as in a play
7. to act or stand in place of; be an agent, proxy, or substitute for
8. to speak and act for by duly conferred authority, as an ambassador for a country or a legislator for constituents
9. to serve as a specimen, example, type, or instance of; exemplify or typify

Etymology: ME representen < OFr representer < L repraesentare < re-, again + praesentare: see re- & present,