agent
B2Formal, Neutral, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing that acts on behalf of another, or causes a particular effect.
A representative in business or politics; a spy; a chemical or force that produces change; an interface or intermediary in computing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun 'agent' implies an entity with the capacity to act, either independently or under direction. The core sense is of an 'actor' or 'doer'. It is neutral but carries connotations of professionalism, representation, and sometimes secrecy (espionage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The term 'estate agent' (UK) corresponds to 'realtor' or 'real estate agent' (US). 'Travel agent' is common in both.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. In legal/formal contexts, it is identical.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties. Slightly more common in UK media in the phrase 'secret agent' (espionage).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
agent for + [company/organisation]agent of + [change/process]act as an agentappoint someone (as) agentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Free agent (someone not bound by commitments)”
- “Double agent (spy working for two sides)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A person authorised to act for a company in sales or negotiations.
Academic
An entity that acts within a system (e.g., 'rational agent' in economics).
Everyday
Someone who helps you buy a house or book a holiday.
Technical
In computing, a program that performs tasks autonomously (e.g., 'software agent').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The author's estate was agented by a prestigious London firm.
- He agented the deal between the clubs.
American English
- She agented the sale of the film rights.
- Who is agenting this property?
adverb
British English
- The chemical acted agently upon the substance. (Rare/Non-Standard)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use.)
adjective
British English
- The agent provocateur was arrested.
- He had agent status for the duration of the contract.
American English
- The agent-based model simulated market behavior.
- Her agent role was clearly defined.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The travel agent booked our holiday.
- My aunt is a real estate agent.
- You need to contact the company's agent in Madrid.
- Soap is a cleaning agent.
- He acted as an agent for several foreign artists.
- The chemical agent was found to be harmless.
- The diplomat was revealed to be a double agent.
- Intelligent software agents can automate complex tasks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SECRET AGENT on a MISSION – they are ACTING on behalf of their country (the core meaning of acting for another).
Conceptual Metaphor
AGENT AS TOOL/INSTRUMENT (e.g., 'He was merely an agent of the government'), AGENT AS CAUSE (e.g., 'Water is a cleansing agent').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'агент' only in the spy sense. In English, it's broader (e.g., real estate agent).
- Avoid directly translating 'агентство' as 'agency' for a single person; 'agent' is the person, 'agency' is the organisation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'agent' to mean a general 'worker' (e.g., 'He is an agent in a factory' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'agent' with 'agency' (the business).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'agent' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It can refer to things that cause effects, like 'bleaching agent', or to software programs.
An 'agent' typically finds work and negotiates contracts (e.g., for actors, authors). A 'manager' often handles day-to-day career decisions and business affairs. The roles can overlap.
Yes, though less common. It means to act as an agent for someone or something, especially in business (e.g., 'She agents for several top models').
In linguistics, the 'agent' is the noun phrase that performs the action of the verb (e.g., 'The cat' in 'The cat chased the mouse').