Proxy vs. Representative: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Proxy refers to someone authorized to act for another, often in a specific context like voting, while a representative is a person elected or appointed to act or speak for others, generally with a broader scope of duties.
Key Differences
Proxy typically implies authority given to act specifically in someone's place, often in a specific context or event. Representative suggests a broader role, often involving speaking or acting for a group of people in various matters.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Proxies are often used for specific tasks, like voting in someone's stead. Representatives engage in a wider range of activities, like decision-making and advocacy on behalf of their constituents.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
A proxy usually acts under the direct instructions of the appointer. In contrast, a representative often has more autonomy, making decisions based on the interests of those they represent.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Proxies are common in business and legal contexts for specific functions. Representatives are more associated with political, organizational, or communal roles.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
The role of a proxy is often temporary and limited to certain decisions. The role of a representative is usually more permanent and involves ongoing responsibilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Authority
Specific authority for particular tasks
Broader authority for a range of matters
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Context
Often used in voting, business, or legal matters
Political, organizational, or group representation
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Duration
Typically temporary and task-specific
Generally long-term and ongoing
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Scope of Role
Limited to specific decisions or actions
Involves wider decision-making and advocacy
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Proxy and Representative Definitions
Proxy
An agent representing another in a specific context.
He sent his proxy to the meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
An agent of a company or organization.
The company's representative handled the negotiations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Proxy
A figure or document representing someone's authority.
He held the proxy indicating his voting rights.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
A delegate to a conference or assembly.
The representative attended the international summit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Proxy
One appointed or authorized to act for another, especially a person appointed to vote as one wishes at a meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Representative
One that serves as an example or type for others of the same classification.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
A member of a governmental body, usually legislative, chosen by popular vote.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
An entity or variable used to model or generate data assumed to resemble the data associated with another entity or variable that is typically more difficult to research.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
A member of the US House of Representatives or of the lower house of a state legislature.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
(Computers) A server that processes requests and forwards information between a client and another server.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
Used as a proxy or acting as a proxy.
A proxy indicator
A proxy measurement
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
(sciences) A measurement of one physical quantity that is used as an indicator of the value of another
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Representing, showing a likeness.
Are you sure this paper is representative of your child's writing?
The representative faculty of the human imagination
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
(software) An interface for a service, especially for one that is remote, resource-intensive, or otherwise difficult to use directly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
A proximity mine; a mine that explodes when something approaches within a certain distance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.
She served four terms as representative of her local at the national union convention.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity.
I will send a representative to work out the details of the contract.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
(networking) To function as a server for a client device, but pass on the requests to another server for service.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
The agency for another who acts through the agent; authority to act for another, esp. to vote in a legislative or corporate capacity.
I have no man's proxy: I speak only for myself.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives.
All representatives face re-election every two years.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
The person who is substituted or deputed to act or vote for another.
Every peer . . . may make another lord of parliament his proxy, to vote for him in his absence.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
A writing by which one person authorizes another to vote in his stead, as in a corporation meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
A power of attorney document given by shareholders of a corporation authorizing a specific vote on their behalf at a corporate meeting
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Bearing the character or power of another; acting for another or others; as, a council representative of the people.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
A person authorized to vote for another.
She appointed a proxy to cast her vote.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
Conducted by persons chosen to represent, or act as deputies for, the people; as, a representative government.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
Authority given to someone to act for another.
She gave her lawyer proxy to negotiate the deal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
Serving or fitted to present the full characters of the type of a group; typical; as, a representative genus in a family.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Proxy
A substitute acting for someone else.
The manager acted as a proxy in the director's absence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
Giving, or existing as, a transcript of what was originally presentative knowledge; as, representative faculties; representative knowledge. See Presentative, 3 and Represent, 8.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
One who, or that which, represents (anything); that which exhibits a likeness or similitude.
A statute of Rumor, whispering an idiot in the ear, who was the representative of Credulity.
Difficulty must cumber this doctrine which supposes that the perfections of God are the representatives to us of whatever we perceive in the creatures.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
An agent, deputy, or substitute, who supplies the place of another, or others, being invested with his or their authority.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
A member of the lower or popular house in a State legislature, or in the national Congress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
That which presents the full character of the type of a group.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
An advocate who represents someone else's policy or purpose;
The meeting was attended by spokespersons for all the major organs of government
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Serving to represent or typify;
Representative moviegoers
A representative modern play
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Standing for something else;
The bald eagle is representative of the United States
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
Being or characteristic of government by representation in which citizens exercise power through elected officers and representatives;
Representative government as defined by Abraham Lincoln is government of the people, by the people, for the people
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Representative
A person elected to legislate or make decisions for others.
The representative proposed a new bill in Congress.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
Someone chosen to speak or act for a group.
She was the representative for her class at the meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Representative
A figure embodying the characteristics of a group.
He was a representative of the community's interests.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are representatives always elected?
Often, but they can also be appointed or selected by a group.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
What is a proxy?
A proxy is someone authorized to act on behalf of another, often in a specific context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
What does a representative do?
A representative acts or speaks for a group of people, often in a legislative or organizational role.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can a proxy make decisions?
Yes, but usually within the limits set by the person who appointed them.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Is a proxy a permanent role?
No, it's typically temporary and specific to certain decisions or actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Do representatives have to follow instructions like proxies?
Representatives have more autonomy and often make decisions based on the best interests of those they represent.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Is a proxy used in legal situations?
Yes, proxies are often used in legal, business, and voting contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can a representative represent multiple people?
Yes, representatives often act on behalf of a large group of people.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can the role of a proxy change over time?
It's usually fixed, based on the specific authority given.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can anyone be a proxy?
Yes, as long as they are given authority by the individual they are representing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Does a proxy need special qualifications?
No, but they must be trusted and authorized by the person they represent.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are proxies part of government structures?
Not usually, as they are more common in business and personal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are proxies common in corporate settings?
Yes, they are frequently used in corporate voting and decision-making.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are representatives always part of a formal organization?
Often, but they can also represent informal groups or communities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Do representatives have more responsibility than proxies?
Generally, yes, as they have broader roles and longer-term commitments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can a proxy's decision be overturned?
This depends on the agreement between the proxy and the person they represent.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are representatives accountable for their decisions?
Yes, they are typically accountable to their constituents or the group they represent.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can a representative act as a proxy?
In some cases, a representative can also be given proxy authority for specific tasks.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Do representatives need to communicate with their constituents?
Yes, effective representatives maintain communication with those they represent.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Is a proxy similar to a power of attorney?
They are similar, but a power of attorney usually has broader legal authority.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
