reputation
The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.
A reputation is built over time through actions, communications, and public perception. It can be positive, negative, or mixed, and is a valuable asset for individuals and organizations.
Word relationships
- standing: Similar to reputation, often implying status or position.
- character: Refers more to inherent moral qualities, whereas reputation is how those qualities are perceived by others.
- credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in; a component of a good reputation.
- disrepute: The state of being held in low esteem by the public.
- anonymity: The state of being unknown to most people.
Commonly confused with
- image: Image is often a more immediate, constructed visual or conceptual representation; reputation is a deeper, accumulated public judgment.
Word family
- reputable (adjective): having a good reputation
- disreputable (adjective): not considered to be respectable in character or appearance
Collocations
- good reputation
- bad reputation
- stellar reputation
- damage reputation
- enhance reputation
- reputation management
Idioms & expressions
- live up to one's reputation
- rest on one's reputation
Example sentences
- "A strong reputation for quality and customer service is essential for long-term business success." Discussing the importance of a company's standing.
- "His reputation as a fair and honest judge was well-deserved, earned over decades of service." Referring to an individual's public image.
Memory hook
Your 'reputation' is what people 're-think' about you again and again. Re-think about you
When not to use
Don't confuse 'reputation' with 'fame' or 'notoriety.' While related, fame is simply being widely known, and notoriety is being famous for something bad. Reputation refers to the character or quality attributed to someone/something.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, a person's 'fama' (fame/reputation) was crucial for political and social standing.
- The concept of 'reputation management' has become a significant industry in the digital age, with companies specializing in monitoring and influencing online perception.
Related words
Explore more words
credibility, renown, prestige, defamation, commendation, discredit
Also appears in
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