B1noun1K

Agent

UK /["/ˈeɪdʒənt/"]/US /["/ˈeɪdʒənt/"]/

Definition

a person whose job is to act for, or manage the affairs of, other people in business, politics, etc.

In simple words: A person or thing that does something for another person or thing.

Examples

  • The secret agent infiltrated the enemy's facility.
  • She works as a travel agent, helping people plan their vacations.
  • An agent of change is someone who promotes new ideas and innovation.
  • He acted as an agent for the artist, seeking buyers for her paintings.
  • The agent was responsible for negotiating the contract terms.
  • An agent can refer to a substance that causes a chemical reaction.

Usage notes

Often used in business or formal contexts. Not typically used in casual conversation to describe people outside their role. In legal terms, it refers to someone authorized to act on behalf of another.

Grammar pattern

agent + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'agent' as someone acting on your behalf—imagine a secret agent with a mission.

Collocations

  • booking
  • ticket
  • travel
  • employ
  • have
  • use
  • through an agent
  • agent for
  • booking
  • ticket
  • travel
  • employ
  • have
  • use
  • through an agent
  • agent for
  • intelligence
  • enemy
  • foreign
  • chief
  • main
  • primary
  • agent for
  • an agent for change
  • an agent of change

Synonyms

  • representative
  • broker
  • intermediary
  • operating agent
  • proxy

Antonyms

  • client
  • customer

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'agency' — 'agent' refers to the person, while 'agency' refers to the organization.
  • Using 'agent' for a person without a specific role, which makes it unclear.
  • Mixing up meanings in different contexts, like an 'agent' in real estate versus a 'secret agent'.