agent

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.d͡ʒənt/

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  2. noun a representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organizations
  3. noun a substance that exerts some force or effect

Etymology

From Latin agēns, present active participle of agere (“to drive, lead, conduct, manage, perform, do”).

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
causal agent
Narrower (hyponyms)
weakener, repressor, stressor, relaxer, vector, motor

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