misrepresentative
|mis-rep-re-zen-ta-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪˈzɛn(t)ətɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɪsˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv/
gives a wrong picture; not truly representative
Etymology
'misrepresentative' originates from English, formed by the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly' and the adjective 'representative,' which ultimately derives from Latin 'repraesentare' meaning 'to present, show.'
'misrepresentative' was created in modern English by combining 'mis-' with 'representative'; 'representative' itself came via Middle French and Middle English from Latin 'repraesentare.'
Initially, it meant 'wrongly representing' or 'giving a false impression,' and it continues to carry that core meaning in modern usage, also extending to 'not representative.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
giving a false or misleading impression; tending to misrepresent facts or reality.
The advertisement was criticized for its misrepresentative claims about the product’s effectiveness.
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Adjective 2
not typical or representative of the whole; unrepresentative.
The sample was misrepresentative of the broader population, leading to flawed conclusions.
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Last updated: 2025/08/09 16:05