reputation

[ rep-yuh-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the estimation in which a person or thing is held, especially by the community or the public generally; repute:

   a man of good reputation.

   Synonyms: name, regard

2. favorable repute; good name:

   to ruin one's reputation by misconduct.

   Synonyms: recognition, honor, esteem, renown, distinction, fame

   Antonyms: disrepute

3. a favorable and publicly recognized name or standing for merit, achievement, reliability, etc.:

   to build up a reputation.

4. the estimation or name of being, having, having done, etc., something specified:

   He has the reputation of being a shrewd businessman.

reputation

/ ˌrɛpjʊˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the estimation in which a person or thing is generally held; opinion
2. a high opinion generally held about a person or thing; esteem
3. notoriety or fame, esp for some specified characteristic
4. have a reputation
   to be known or notorious, esp for promiscuity, excessive drinking, or the like

Derived Forms

• ˌrepuˈtationless, adjective

Other Words From

• repu·tation·al adjective
• self-repu·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reputation¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English reputacioun, from Latin reputātiōn-, stem of reputātiō “computation, consideration,” from reputāt(us) “computed, considered” (past participle of reputāre “to compute, consider”; repute ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of reputation¹

C14: from Latin reputātiō a reckoning, from reputāre to calculate, meditate; see repute

Synonym Study

Reputation, character are often confused. Reputation, however, is the word which refers to the position one occupies or the standing that one has in the opinion of others, in respect to attainments, integrity, and the like: a fine reputation; a reputation for honesty. Character is the combination of moral and other traits which make one the kind of person one actually is (as contrasted with what others think of one): Honesty is an outstanding trait of his character. See credit.

Example Sentences

He is stepping down at the end of his two terms, with Ghanaians hoping for a smooth transfer of power to ensure that Ghana retains its reputation as stable democracy.

From BBC

He added: "I'm not looking for any repercussion from this, I am standing up for myself to a guy who is questioning my reputation and slamming me in the media."

From BBC

In the titles of some of them, he referenced the reputation of coastal Mindanao as being dangerous for foreign travelers.

From New York Times

“TMTG’s success depends in part on the popularity of our brand and the reputation and popularity of President Donald J. Trump,” the filing says, referring to the company by its initials.

From New York Times

Even in cases where governments have not lost, their reputation and political control have been severely dented.

From BBC

Related Words

• character
• fame
• honor
• influence
• name
• notoriety
• opinion
• position
• prestige
• prominence
• standing
• stature