rep
rep — noun
1. A company employee who visits shops, clinics, or offices in a particular region
A company employee who visits shops, clinics, or offices in a particular region to show and sell what their employer makes or offers.
The pharmaceutical rep visited Dr. Okonkwo's clinic every Tuesday with samples of new medications.
collocation: pharmaceutical rep / sales rep / service rep
Ritu worked as a sales rep for a medical equipment company and covered the entire state of Gujarat.
New reps usually spend their first month learning the product catalogue while shadowing senior colleagues.
noun phrase: new reps — no article needed for plural generic reference
The insurance firm promoted its top three reps to regional manager positions after a record quarter.
Being a successful rep requires strong people skills and the ability to handle frequent rejection.
- pharmaceutical rep
- sales rep
- service rep
- customer-service rep
- union rep
- rep for [company]
- top-performing rep
- salesperson
A broader term that does not specifically imply travel or a defined territory.
- agent
More formal; often used in insurance, real estate, or talent contexts.
- account manager
Focuses on maintaining existing client relationships rather than acquiring new ones.
Grammar Patterns
a rep for [company/sector]
Usage Note
Often used in job titles such as 'sales rep' or 'service rep'. The full form 'representative' appears in formal writing and contracts.
Common Mistakes
2. Someone chosen to speak or act on behalf of another person, a group, or an organ
Someone chosen to speak or act on behalf of another person, a group, or an organisation in official matters such as meetings, elections, or disputes.
Dahlia was elected as the student rep for the graduate council and attended weekly faculty meetings.
collocation: student rep / union rep / class rep
The union rep met with management to negotiate better working conditions for the warehouse staff.
Each department sends one rep to the quarterly planning meeting so that all teams have a voice.
Benjamin was chosen as the neighbourhood rep to present residents' concerns at the town hall.
- student rep
- union rep
- class rep
- rep for [group]
- send a rep
- elect a rep
- act as rep
- delegate
Implies being sent to a specific meeting or conference; more formal than 'rep'.
- representative
The full form; preferable in formal writing or official documents.
- spokesperson
Focuses on public communication rather than voting or decision-making.
Grammar Patterns
a rep for [group/organisation]
the rep of [group]
Usage Note
Subject is typically an organised group (student council, union, committee, department). Distinguish from SENSE 1 (SALES REP) — this sense focuses on official representation rather than selling.
Common Mistakes
3. A system in which a theatre company performs several different plays in a rotati
A system in which a theatre company performs several different plays in a rotating schedule, with each play running for a short period before being replaced by the next.
The Riverside Theatre Company has been working in rep since 1998, staging four plays each season.
pattern: 'in rep' — fixed phrase for repertory system
After drama school, Yuna joined a rep theatre in Manchester where she performed in five different shows over six months.
Small rep companies often share actors and props across productions to keep costs low.
London audiences are less familiar with rep theatre than audiences in regional cities.
- in rep
- rep theatre
- rep company
- rep actor
- working in rep
- repertory
The full form of 'rep'; used in formal theatre contexts.
- stock company
American term for a similar rotating-repertoire model.
Grammar Patterns
in rep
rep theatre
rep company
Usage Note
Frequently preceded by 'in' as a fixed adverbial phrase ('the company works in rep'). British English; the full form 'repertory' is more formal. Not used to describe single touring productions.
Common Mistakes
4. One complete performance of a single movement in a strength or conditioning exer
One complete performance of a single movement in a strength or conditioning exercise, counted as part of a set during a training session.
Mateo finished three sets of twelve reps on the leg press machine before moving to the squat rack.
pattern: [number] sets of [number] reps
The trainer told Nadia to slow down each rep and focus on the controlled movement of the weight.
Beginners should start with lighter weights and aim for fifteen reps per set to build endurance.
Counting reps out loud helps gym-goers maintain a steady rhythm and avoid cutting movements short.
collocation: count reps / do reps / reps per set
- do reps
- count reps
- reps per set
- [number] reps
- high reps
- low reps
- rep range
- repetition
The full form; used in formal exercise science or by serious bodybuilders.
- count
Informal; 'how many counts did you get?' in some gym contexts.
Grammar Patterns
[number] reps
do [number] reps of [exercise]
[number] sets of [number] reps
Usage Note
Almost always used in the plural ('reps') when talking about routines. The singular appears mainly in counting ('one more rep'). The full form 'repetition' is used in formal fitness manuals.
Common Mistakes
5. The general view that people have of a person or thing, formed by what that pers
The general view that people have of a person or thing, formed by what that person or thing has done or by what is known about them.
The restaurant has a solid rep for serving the best dumplings in the neighbourhood.
pattern: have a [adj] rep for [something]
Ayana quickly earned a rep as the most reliable editor on the magazine's staff.
A single bad online review can damage a small business's rep far more than a large company's.
The school has a tough academic rep, so families move into the area specifically for the secondary programme.
collocation: good rep / bad rep / tough rep / solid rep
Luca's rep as a trustworthy mechanic brought customers from three towns over to his garage.
- good rep
- bad rep
- solid rep
- earn a rep
- get a rep
- have a rep for
- damage someone's rep
- reputation
The full, neutral form suitable for all registers.
- name
Informal; 'making a name for yourself' implies building a reputation.
- standing
More formal; used in academic or professional contexts ('professional standing').
- disrepute
Formal term for a bad reputation.
Grammar Patterns
have a [adjective] rep
get a rep as/for [something]
Usage Note
Always informal — use the full form 'reputation' in academic or professional writing. Common in spoken English and casual online comments.
Common Mistakes
6. The degree to which people from different backgrounds — such as gender, ethnicit
The degree to which people from different backgrounds — such as gender, ethnicity, age, or disability — are included and visible in a particular field, especially media, politics, or sport.
The report highlighted the poor rep of women in senior engineering roles across the technology sector.
pattern: rep of [group] in [domain/field]
Film critics have called for better rep of disabled actors in mainstream Hollywood productions.
The city council introduced new policies to improve rep of minority communities in local government hiring.
A lack of rep in children's books can make young readers feel that their lives are not valued.
collocation: lack of rep / better rep / poor rep
- rep of [group]
- poor rep
- better rep
- lack of rep
- improve rep
- representation
The full form; used in formal reports and academic writing.
- visibility
Focuses on being seen rather than being proportionally present.
- inclusion
Broader term that includes participation and belonging, not just numerical presence.
- underrepresentation
When a group appears less than proportionally.
Grammar Patterns
rep of [group] in [domain]
Usage Note
Short for 'representation' in the sense of proportional visibility. Common in social-justice and diversity discussions. Not used for legal representation (use SENSE 2 or the verb sense instead).
7. A woven cloth with small raised lines or ridges running horizontally across its
A woven cloth with small raised lines or ridges running horizontally across its surface, produced by a special weaving technique that gives the material a distinct texture.
The old library curtains were made of a heavy cream-coloured rep fabric that blocked the sunlight.
collocation: rep fabric / rep silk / rep tie
Rep silk is popular for academic gowns and formal neckties because of its crisp, ribbed surface.
The upholsterer recommended a wool rep for the dining chairs since the ribbed texture would resist wear.
Unlike velvet or satin, rep has a firm feel and holds its shape well when used for uniform trimmings.
- rep fabric
- rep silk
- rep tie
- wool rep
- rep curtain
- repp
Alternative spelling of the same fabric.
- ribbed fabric
Descriptive term; broader since it covers knits and corduroy as well as woven cloth.
Grammar Patterns
rep fabric
rep tie
rep curtain
Usage Note
A specialist textile term. Most learners will encounter this only when shopping for formal or upholstery fabrics by name. The full form 'repp' is an alternative spelling.
rep — verb
1. To act or speak officially for someone in a professional capacity — for instance
To act or speak officially for someone in a professional capacity — for instance, a lawyer speaking for a client in court or an agent handling a performer's contracts.
The senior partner at the law firm will rep the defendant in the upcoming fraud trial.
collocation: rep the defendant / rep the client
Felipe is repped by a top talent agency in Los Angeles that handles film and television contracts.
passive: be repped by [agency/person]
Chiara decided to rep herself in the contract negotiations rather than hiring an expensive lawyer.
Several athletes have asked the same sports management group to rep them in endorsement deals.
Before repping any artist, the agency reviews their portfolio and long-term career goals carefully.
- rep the defendant
- rep the client
- be repped by
- rep an artist
- rep oneself
Grammar Patterns
rep [person/organisation]
be repped by [person]
Usage Note
Informal shortening of 'represent'. Used primarily in the legal, entertainment, and sports industries. The passive form 'be repped by' is very common in Hollywood and music-industry contexts.
Common Mistakes
rep — abbreviation
1. A short written form of 'repair', used in notes, invoices, and maintenance logs
A short written form of 'repair', used in notes, invoices, and maintenance logs to indicate that something needs to be fixed.
The maintenance log for the lift had 'rep' written next to the date with no further explanation.
usage: written abbreviation in notes and logs
On the invoice, the plumber listed 'rep leaking pipe — kitchen' as a single line item.
The foreman scribbled 'rep needed' on the work order and handed it back to the site supervisor.
The school janitor left a note saying 'rep window handle — room 204' on the principal's desk.
- rep needed
- rep — [item]
Usage Note
Only encountered in writing (notes, labels, forms, logs). Never used in spoken English as a shortening of 'repair'.
2. A short written form of 'repeat', used in schedules, orders, or scripts to indic
A short written form of 'repeat', used in schedules, orders, or scripts to indicate that an event, instruction, or broadcast should occur again.
The TV guide listed 'rep 10 p.m.' next to Tuesday's episode of the drama series.
usage: written abbreviation in lists and schedules
The chef wrote 'rep order — table six' on the ticket when the customers asked for the same dishes again.
In the radio log, the producer circled the word 'rep' to mark the segment that would air a second time.
The customer's order slip had 'rep — same items' written at the bottom by the waiter.
- rep [time]
- rep order
- rep broadcast
Usage Note
Almost exclusively a written abbreviation. In spoken English, 'repeat' is used in full. Not to be confused with the fitness abbreviation 'rep' (repetition).
3. A short written form of either 'report' (a document or news story) or 'reporter'
A short written form of either 'report' (a document or news story) or 'reporter' (a journalist), used mainly in headlines, bylines, and internal newsroom notes.
The morning news meeting agenda listed 'rep on city council vote' as the lead item.
usage: abbreviation for 'report' in newsroom context
The editor assigned 'rep needed at city hall — 3 p.m.' as a quick note on the assignment board.
Under the article headline, the byline read 'By Staff Rep' rather than the journalist's full name.
usage: abbreviation for 'reporter' in bylines
The sports desk left a sticky note reading 'need rep on the championship game by 5 p.m.'.
- rep on [topic]
- staff rep
- rep needed
Usage Note
When used for 'reporter', typically appears in staff listings or internal assignments rather than in published bylines. The context (headline vs. internal note) disambiguates whether 'report' or 'reporter' is meant.
4. A short written form of 'Republic', used in the official names of countries or p
A short written form of 'Republic', used in the official names of countries or political entities, such as 'People's Rep. of China' or 'Islamic Rep. of Iran'.
The shipping label read 'Rep. of Korea' as the destination country for the export crate.
pattern: Rep. of [Country]
On the United Nations list, 'Islamic Rep. of Iran' appears in alphabetical order under 'I'.
The treaty was signed by the ambassador of the Czech Rep. and ratified the following month.
The postage stamp bore the words 'Rep. of the Philippines' along its bottom edge.
- Rep. of [Country]
- Czech Rep.
- Islamic Rep.
Usage Note
Always followed by a period ('Rep.') in formal abbreviations. The full form 'Republic' is used in running text and spoken speech.
Common Mistakes
5. A short written form of 'Republican', used in US politics to refer to a member o
A short written form of 'Republican', used in US politics to refer to a member of the Republican Party or to the party itself.
The newspaper headline read 'Sen. Johnson (Rep.) introduces new climate bill'.
pattern: [Name] (Rep.) — party label in parentheses
The voter guide listed each candidate's party as Dem., Rep., or Ind. next to their name.
On the election map, Rep.-held districts were coloured red while Dem. districts were blue.
The primary ballot listed three Rep. candidates and two independent candidates for the same seat.
- Rep. Party
- [Name] (Rep.)
- Rep.-held
- Rep. candidate
Usage Note
Typically followed by a period ('Rep.') to distinguish it from other uses. The abbreviation appears in news articles, voter guides, and political datasets but not in spoken English.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- representativenounB1
- representverbB1
- reputationnounB2
- repetitionnounB1
- repeatverbA2
- repertorynounC1
- repairverbB1
- republicnounB1
- RepublicannounB1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/2
All four words describe someone who acts for others, but they differ in scope and setting. 'Representative' is the full, neutral form of 'rep' and fits any context. 'Delegate' implies being sent to a specific meeting or conference with a limited task, such as a union delegate voting at a convention. 'Spokesperson' focuses on public communication and media-facing roles; unlike a rep, a spokesperson does not necessarily vote or negotiate. 'Agent' carries a commercial or legal flavour — talent agents, real-estate agents — and usually involves contracts rather than group representation. In a workplace election, you would 'elect a union rep' (informal) or 'elect a union representative' (formal), but you would not say 'elect a union agent'. If someone appears on TV to comment on a company's position, that person is a 'spokesperson' rather than a 'rep'. Choosing between these words depends on whether the role involves voting (rep/delegate), public speaking (spokesperson), or professional negotiation (agent).
Common collocations
Nouns
- sales rep
- union rep
- student rep
- class rep
- service rep
- pharmaceutical rep
Phrases
- in rep
- rep theatre
- act as rep
- send a rep
- elect a rep
Prepositions
- rep for
- rep of
- rep in [domain]
Etymology
The word 'rep' is a 19th–20th century shortening of several distinct English words, each with a different Latin origin: 'representative' (from Latin 'repræsentare' — 'to present again'), 'reputation' (from Latin 'reputatio' — 'a reckoning'), 'repetition' (from Latin 'repetere' — 'to do again'), 'repertory' (from Latin 'repertorium' — 'inventory'), 'repair' (from Latin 'reparare' — 'to restore'), and 'republic' (from Latin 'res publica' — 'public matter'). Over time, the spoken abbreviation spread across different professions — sales, theatre, fitness, law, and politics — each independently adopting the same shortened form for convenience. The fabric sense 'rep' comes from a different root, likely from 'ribbed' via 19th-century textile trade terminology.