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

Although Marie Antoinette was found to be blameless, her reputation is thought to have been tarnished by the affair and she was unpopular among the French people, who accused her of being wasteful and a dangerous influence on the king.

From BBC

Despite this, public perception of the site seems overwhelmingly negative—and much of its bad reputation comes from the viral marketing ploys the company uses to reel in new users.

From Slate

As long as this public perception remains and compounds with Stake’s already shady reputation, then the brainwashing might fall flat.

From Slate

"Despite Wiltshire's reputation as a safe county", he urged people not to "rest on our laurels", warning that children in Wiltshire are being exploited.

From BBC

He will also be able to point to his experience, achievements and his willingness to establish the Athletics Integrity Unit - which has a strong reputation for catching dopers - in the competition to replace Bach and become the first Briton to head up the IOC.

From BBC

Related Words

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