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Disreputable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disreputable

[ˌdɪsrɪˈpjuːtəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behaviour

Having a bad reputation; not respectable or trustworthy.

Synonyms

discreditable, dishonorable, shady, untrustworthy.

Examples of usage

  • He was involved in disreputable activities.
  • The company has a disreputable history of fraud.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Not proper or decent in appearance.

Synonyms

seedy, shabby, slovenly, unkempt.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a disreputable outfit to the formal event.
  • The house had a disreputable look due to its neglected state.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'disreputable'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'disreputable' originated in the early 19th century from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and the word 'reputable' meaning 'having a good reputation'. It is used to describe things or people that have a bad reputation or are not respectable. Over time, the word has been commonly used in various contexts to signify lack of trustworthiness or decency.

See also: disreputably, disrepute, reputable, reputation, reputed.

Word Frequency Rank

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.