representative

The story

1. Medieval Latin · derived fromrepraesentātīvus
2. Middle French · derived fromrepresentatif
3. Middle English · inherited fromrepresentative
4. English todayrepresentative

From Middle English representative, from Middle French representatif and its etymon Medieval Latin repraesentātīvus. By surface analysis, represent + -ative; See representation. Displaced native Old English spala (“a representative”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.
• from 17th c. One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity.
• from 17th c. An heir.
• from 18th c. Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives.
• from 20th c. A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman.
• from 17th c. Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment.
• from 17th c. Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type.
• from 17th c. A substitute or analogue.