tell vs represent

tell and represent both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
tell	No	No	Yes	No
represent	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, represent is a hyponym of tell; that is, represent is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than tell:

tell (verb)	represent (verb)
discern or comprehend	to establish a mapping (of mathematical elements or sets)
mark as different	serve as a means of expressing something
let something be known	express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be a symbol
narrate or give a detailed account of	point out or draw attention to in protest or remonstrance
give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority	bring forward and present to the mind
give evidence	describe or present, usually with respect to a particular quality
express in words	create an image or likeness of
inform positively and with certainty and confidence	play a role or part
	perform (a play), especially on a stage
	be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute
	be representative or typical for
	be the defense counsel for someone in a trial
	form or compose
	be typical of
	take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to