Reputation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reputation

[หŒrษ›pjสŠหˆteษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in business

The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something, especially by people who do not know much about them.

Synonyms

character, standing, status.

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Word Description / Examples
reputation

Used to describe how the general public or a specific group of people view an individual or entity, often based on past actions or behaviors.

  • His reputation for honesty earned him the community's trust.
  • The company has a stellar reputation for customer service.
character

Refers to a person's moral and ethical qualities. Used to describe someone's integrity and values.

  • She is a person of strong character, always doing what is right.
  • His character was tested during difficult times.
status

Describes one's rank or position in a social, professional, or organizational hierarchy. Also can denote current situation or condition.

  • His status as a senior executive grants him access to exclusive meetings.
  • What is the status of the project?
standing

Usually relates to one's position or rank within a group or community. Often reflects social or professional hierarchy.

  • She has a high standing in the scientific community.
  • His social standing was significantly affected by the scandal.

Examples of usage

  • He has a reputation for being honest and reliable.
  • The company's reputation has been damaged by the recent scandal.
Context #2 | Noun

in personal life

The opinion that people in general have about someone or something, based on their behavior or character.

Synonyms

fame, image, repute.

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Word Description / Examples
reputation

This term is commonly used to describe the general opinion or image that people have about someone or something, especially based on past actions or behaviors. It can be used in both positive and negative senses.

  • She has a reputation for being very punctual.
  • The companyโ€™s reputation was damaged after the scandal.
image

This term refers to the public perception or visual representation of someone or something. It is often related to appearance, media portrayal, or branding.

  • The company is working hard to improve its image after the incident.
  • His image as a tough negotiator is well-known.
repute

This word is similar to 'reputation' but is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation. It often appears in literary or formal contexts.

  • She is a doctor of high repute in her field.
  • The university is of international repute.
fame

This word is often associated with being well-known or recognized by a large number of people. It generally has a positive connotation and is frequently used in the context of celebrities or notable achievements.

  • He achieved fame after starring in the blockbuster movie.
  • She rose to fame as a brilliant scientist.

Examples of usage

  • She is determined to protect her reputation as a good mother.
  • The city has a reputation for being a safe place to live.
Context #3 | Noun

in academic or professional fields

The opinion that people have about how good or bad someone or something is, based on their behavior or work.

Synonyms

credibility, esteem, reliability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reputation

Describes the general perception or opinion people have about someone or something based on past actions or behaviors. Often used in both personal and business contexts.

  • The company has built a strong reputation for customer service.
  • His reputation was damaged after the scandal.
credibility

Refers to the quality of being trusted and believed in, often used in contexts where believability and trust are critical, such as media, academia, and law.

  • The journalist's credibility was questioned during the trial.
  • Her research has gained credibility over the years.
reliability

Describes the quality of being dependable or consistently good in performance, often used for discussing systems, products, and people in contexts where consistency and dependability are important.

  • The reliability of this new software is impressive.
  • You can always count on her reliability.
esteem

Indicates the high regard or respect someone is held in by others, commonly used in more formal or personal contexts related to admiration and respect.

  • The doctor was held in high esteem by his colleagues.
  • She has always been esteemed for her generosity.

Examples of usage

  • The university has a reputation for excellence in research.
  • The restaurant has a reputation for serving delicious food.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that first impressions can heavily influence a person's reputation for a long time.
  • Research indicates people often form judgments about others within just seconds of meeting them, affecting reputation.
  • Good reputation can lead to increased trust and better relationships, while a bad reputation can create barriers.

Pop Culture

  • In the music world, artists like Taylor Swift explore themes of reputation and public perception in their songs.
  • Reputation often plays a key role in social media, where influencers build their brands through curated images.
  • Movies and shows frequently portray characters whose reputations shape their destinies, such as in 'The Godfather'.

Business

  • In the corporate world, a strong reputation can lead to better customer loyalty and increased sales.
  • Reputation management is a crucial part of public relations, ensuring companies maintain a positive image.
  • A company's reputation can be influenced by reviews and social media, demonstrating the power of consumer voices.

History

  • In medieval times, knights were often judged by their reputation for bravery and honor, shaping their social standing.
  • Historical figures like Alexander the Great were concerned about their reputation, influencing their actions on and off the battlefield.
  • Reputation played a significant role in ancient Rome, where public opinion could make or break leaders.

Origin of 'reputation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reputatio', meaning 'thinking over', which reflects how we judge others.
  • It evolved through Old French before arriving in English in the 14th century, showing its long history.
  • Originally, it was closely tied to reputation in terms of honor and social standing in communities.

The word 'reputation' originated from the Latin word 'reputatio', which means 'consideration' or 'esteem'. Over time, it evolved to signify the beliefs or opinions that people hold about someone or something. Reputation plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, influencing trust, credibility, and social standing.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,968, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.