Definition

1. Noun:
   • The general estimation or opinion that the public holds about a person, organization, or thing: It refers to the collective belief regarding someone's or something's character, qualities, or standing.
   • A widespread recognition for a specific characteristic or trait: It denotes the state of being known or talked about for a particular attribute, which can be positive or negative.
   • The state of being held in high esteem and honor: It signifies a good name, prestige, or standing in the eyes of others.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The company has built a reputation for reliability. (The company is generally known and regarded as reliable.)
  • He has a reputation for being very generous. (He is widely known for his generosity.)
  • She is a scientist of international reputation. (She is a scientist held in high esteem worldwide.)

Advanced Usage

• "by reputation": known through what others say, rather than by direct experience.
  • I know him only by reputation. (My knowledge of him comes only from what others say about him.)
• "live up to one's reputation": to behave in the way people expect based on one's known character.
  • The restaurant lived up to its reputation for excellent service. (The restaurant was as good as people said it was.)
• "damage/tarnish one's reputation": to harm the good opinion people have.
  • The scandal damaged the politician's reputation irreparably. (The scandal caused lasting harm to the public's opinion of the politician.)

Variants and Related Words

• Repute (noun): Reputation, especially a good one. Often used in formal contexts.
  • He is a doctor of great repute. (He is a highly respected doctor.)
• Reputable (adjective): Having a good reputation; well-regarded.
  • We hired a reputable contractor for the job. (We hired a contractor known to be good and trustworthy.)
• Disrepute (noun): The state of being held in low public esteem; disgrace.
  • The old theory has fallen into disrepute. (That theory is no longer respected or believed.)

Synonyms

• Standing: Social or professional status, position, or rank.
• Name: The reputation of a person or thing.
• Renown: The state of being known and talked about by many people; fame.
• Esteem: Respect and admiration.

Related Phrases

• Reputation precedes someone: People have heard about someone's character before meeting them.
  • Her reputation as a tough negotiator preceded her. (People had heard she was a tough negotiator before she arrived.)
• A blot on one's reputation: A shameful event or action that damages one's good name.
  • The conviction was a blot on his reputation. (The conviction was a stain on his good name.)

Noun

1. the general estimation that the public has for a person
   • he acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing
   • he was a person of bad report
2. notoriety for some particular characteristic
   • his reputation for promiscuity
3. the state of being held in high esteem and honor