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reputation
/ˌrɛpjuˈteɪʃən/
general opinion about someone
The company's reputation for quality attracted many customers.
People widely believe the company makes high-quality products.
formal
The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.
She has a reputation for being honest and hardworking.
People generally believe she is honest and works hard.
The restaurant's reputation suffered after the health inspection.
After the inspection, people thought less favorably of the restaurant.
Often used in contexts where public perception is important, such as business, politics, or personal relationships.
neutral
A widespread belief that someone or something has a particular characteristic.
The city has a reputation for being unfriendly to newcomers.
Many people believe the city is unwelcoming to outsiders.
Can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on context.
Collocations
reputation forused to describe what someone or something is known fordamage one's reputationto harm how others perceive someone or somethinglive up to one's reputationto meet the expectations created by one's reputation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use 'reputation' for collective opinions
Unlike 'fame' (which focuses on being widely known) or 'character' (which focuses on personal traits), 'reputation' emphasizes the general opinion held by others. For example, 'The actor's reputation as a perfectionist is well-known' refers to how people collectively view him.
Gold Rule
Reputation is earned, not given
A reputation reflects consistent behavior over time. You cannot claim a reputation; it must be earned through actions that others observe and remember.
Reputation can be fragile
A single negative event can damage a reputation that took years to build. Always consider the long-term impact of your actions on how others perceive you.
Word Origin
From Latin *reputatio(n-)*, meaning 'consideration' or 'reflection', derived from *reputare* ('to think over'), from *re-* ('again') + *putare* ('to think'). The word entered English in the late 14th century with the sense of 'estimation or consideration of someone or something'.
Usage Notes
Reputation can be personal (e.g., 'She has a reputation for kindness') or collective (e.g., 'The brand's reputation is excellent'). It is often built over time and can be difficult to change. In business, 'reputation management' refers to efforts to influence public perception.
Word Breakdown
re-
again or back
prefixputare
to think or consider
root-ation
action or result of
suffixEnglish Dictionary