Disreputable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'disreputabilis,' where 'dis-' means 'not' and 'reputabilis' means 'able to be considered.'
• It first appeared in English during the late 16th century, reflecting the growing importance of reputation in society.

Historical Usage

• In Victorian England, someone deemed disreputable might have been shunned from polite society, often due to their lifestyle choices.
• The term has historically been linked to individuals involved in criminal activities or immoral behavior, marking them as outcasts.

Literature

• In Charles Dickens' novels, disreputable characters often serve as foils to the heroes, highlighting themes of morality and social class.
• Classic literature frequently portrays disreputable characters who challenge societal norms, inviting readers to question their own values.

Cultural Perspectives

• In some cultures, being labeled disreputable can lead to lifelong stigma, affecting personal relationships and economic opportunities.
• Conversely, certain subcultures celebrate disreputable behavior as a form of rebellion against mainstream conventions.

Psychology

• Individuals labeled as disreputable may exhibit traits associated with risk-taking and nonconformity, often in response to societal pressures.
• Research shows that people may be drawn to disreputable characters in media, as they reflect the complexity of human nature and moral decision-making.

Positioned at #21,084, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 21081 tutelage
• 21082 grandma
• 21083 dislodged
• 21084 disreputable
• 21085 maltreatment
• 21086 interposing
• 21087 booze
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