characteristic vs representative

characteristic

noun
  • A distinguishing feature of a person or thing. 

  • For a given field or ring, a natural number that is either the smallest positive number n such that n instances of the multiplicative identity (1) summed together yield the additive identity (0) or, if no such number exists, the number 0. 

  • The integer part of a logarithm. 

  • The distinguishing features of a navigational light on a lighthouse etc by which it can be identified (colour, pattern of flashes etc.). 

adj
  • Being a distinguishing feature of a person or thing. 

representative

noun
  • Something representing or standing for another; a symbol, an embodiment. 

  • Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body. 

  • One who speaks for or acts on behalf of another in a particular (especially official) capacity. 

  • An heir. 

  • A member of a particular class. 

  • A substitute or analogue. 

  • A company agent who visits potential purchasers; a salesman. 

  • Something (especially a living organism) regarded as typical of its class; a type. 

  • Specifically, a member of the United States House of Representatives. 

adj
  • Representing, showing a likeness. 

  • Typical; having the same properties or interest as a larger group. 

How often have the words characteristic and representative occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )