What does representable mean?
Representable means that something can be expressed, depicted, or modeled in a particular form. The term appears in ordinary discussions of visual or verbal description, but it is especially common in mathematics, computing, and related fields. For example, whether a number is representable as a binary fraction depends on whether it has an exact finite binary expansion. In algebra and category theory, the word similarly identifies objects that can be expressed through a specified structure or system. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing a practical approximation from an exact representation: a value may be approximated on a computer without being fully representable in the chosen format. The adjective consequently carries a sense of possibility rather than merely practical adequacy.
adjectiveCapable of being represented, expressed, or depicted. In mathematics and computing, it may mean capable of being represented by a specified mathematical or digital form.
- Able to be represented, expressed, or depicted.
- Able to be expressed using a specified mathematical structure or numerical system.
"Every finite decimal number is representable as a terminating binary expansion."
"The artist’s abstract composition was difficult to represent in words."
"The model is representable as a finite state machine."
A number can be perfectly real yet still be unrepresentable in a particular system: 0.1 has no exact finite binary form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does representable come from?
The word was formed from the English verb “represent” and the suffix “-able,” meaning “able to be.” “Represent” comes through French from Latin repraesentare, formed from re- and praesentare, both associated with presenting or bringing before someone. Its cognates include “representation,” “representative,” and “reproduce,” all reflecting the shared sense of presenting or bringing something again.
Related word forms
How representable is actually used
The word is formal and technical in general use, especially in mathematics, logic, and computing. In discussions of numerical precision, it usually means that a value can be expressed exactly in the chosen number system.
Easily confused with representable
“Representable” describes something capable of being represented, whereas “representative” means serving as a representative or standing for something else.
“Representable” concerns whether something can be expressed in a particular form, while “reproducible” concerns whether it can be repeated or copied with the same result.