1
Reflect a population
Match important characteristics of a wider group.
Example
The sample should be representative of the city’s residents.
be representative of
/bi ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv əv/ · bee rep-rih-ZEN-tuh-tiv uvtypicality phrase
Be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
Use be representative of to signal this exact relationship between ideas: be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
What be representative of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Exemplify a style
Display features typical of a period or category.
Example
The façade is representative of late regional modernism.
3
Stand for a pattern
Serve as a fair instance rather than an anomaly.
Example
This outcome may not be representative of ordinary cases.
Use be representative of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The sample should be representative of the city’s residents.
The façade is representative of late regional modernism.
This outcome may not be representative of ordinary cases.
Precision Matters
Be representative of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
be representative of
vs.Signals be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
characteristic of
Means typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.
be representative of
vs.Signals be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
as illustrated by
Means as shown through the example that follows.
be representative of
vs.Signals be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
anomalous
Means deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.
be representative of
vs.Signals be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
be indicative of
Means serve as a sign or suggestion of a condition or conclusion.
Test be representative of in Context
The sample fairly reflects the relevant features of the larger population.
1
Because participants were selected from every district and age group, the sample is likely to ___ the city as a whole.