Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - represent

 verb  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French ~er, from Latin repraesentare, from re- + praesentare to present  Date: 14th century  transitive verb  1. to bring clearly before the mind ; present a book which ~s the character of early America  2. to serve as a sign or symbol of the flag ~s our country  3. to portray or exhibit in art ; depict  4. to serve as the counterpart or image of ; typify a movie hero who ~s the ideals of the culture  5.  a. to produce on the stage  b. to act the part or role of  6.  a.  (1) to take the place of in some respect  (2) to act in the place of or for usually by legal right  (3) to manage the legal and business affairs of athletes ~ed by top lawyers and agents  b. to serve especially in a legislative body by delegated authority usually resulting from election  7. to describe as having a specified character or quality ~s himself as a friend  8.  a. to give one's impression and judgment of ; state in a manner intended to affect action or judgment  b. to point out in protest or remonstrance  9. to serve as a specimen, example, or instance of  10.  a. to form an image or ~ation of in the mind  b.  (1) to apprehend (an object) by means of an idea  (2) to recall in memory  11. to correspond to in essence ; constitute  intransitive verb  1. to make ~ations against something ; protest  2. slang to perform a task or duty admirably ; serve as an outstanding example  • ~able adjective  • ~er noun