represent
- v. 表示
- v. 代表
- v. 象征
- v. 正式反对
- Definition
- v. to show or stand for something
- v. to act on behalf of someone
- v. to symbolize something
- v. to formally object
- Example
- This flag will represent our country at the games.
- 这面旗帜将代表我们国家参加比赛。
Synonyms & Differences 近义词辨析
Compared meaning: to stand for or be a sign of something (verb).
比较义项：象征、代表某事物（动词）。
- represent 本词
Neutral, general term for one thing being formally designated to stand for or denote another, such as flags, colors, or data in a chart; carries no artistic or emotional overtone.
represent 是中性、通用的词，表示某事物被正式指定用来代表或代指另一事物（如旗帜、颜色、图表中的数据），不带艺术或情感色彩。
On the chart, the blue bars represent monthly sales figures for the store.
在图表中，蓝色柱状代表该商店每月的销售数据。
- symbolize
Emphasizes embodying an abstract idea or emotion through a concrete image; common in cultural, religious, or artistic contexts; carries a stronger, more evocative sense of symbolism than represent.
symbolize 强调用具体的事物来体现某种抽象的概念或情感，常见于文化、宗教或艺术语境，象征意味比 represent 更浓厚、更具寓意。
White doves are released at weddings to symbolize peace and new beginnings.
婚礼上放飞白鸽，用以象征和平与新的开始。
- typify
Means to be a typical, representative example of a category or group rather than a sign of an abstract idea; used with general categories, not with flags or colors.
typify 表示某事物是某一类别或群体的典型代表，而不是抽象概念的象征；常与泛指的类别搭配，不用于旗帜或颜色。
Loud music and bright decorations typify the festivals held in that region.
响亮的音乐和明亮的装饰是那个地区节日的典型特征。
Represent, symbolize and typify all mean to stand for something. Represent is neutral, like a flag standing for a country. Symbolize means expressing an abstract idea or emotion through an image. Typify means being a typical example of a category, not a symbol.
这三个词在“象征/代表某事物”这个意义上很接近，但侧重不同：represent 是中性、通用的说法；symbolize 强调借助具体事物表达抽象的概念或情感；typify 则指某事物是某一类别的典型代表，不涉及抽象的象征意义。这里三个词都只取此义项，没有其他需要排除的义项。