Reputation
/ˌrɛpjuˈteɪʃən/
Definitions
The general opinion or belief that people have about someone or something based on their behavior or character.
/ˌrɛpjuˈteɪʃən/
The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.
Her reputation as a skilled negotiator preceded her.
💡 Simply: Imagine everyone talking about you – what would they say? Reputation is like your public image; it's what people generally think about you, good or bad. If you're always helpful, you'll have a good reputation! If you're known to be unreliable, your reputation suffers.
👶 For kids: What other people think about you, like if you're known for being kind or being a good friend.
More Examples
The hotel has a good reputation for its service.
He struggled to repair his damaged reputation after the accusations.
How It's Used
"The company's reputation for quality is well-known."
"The politician's reputation was tarnished by the scandal."
"She worked hard to build a good reputation among her peers."
Idioms & expressions
damage someone's reputation
To harm or ruin someone's good name or standing.
"The scandal threatened to damage the CEO's reputation."
reputation precedes someone
Someone's reputation is known before they arrive or are encountered.
"His reputation as a brilliant but eccentric scientist preceded him."
From Latin *reputatio* ('a reckoning, consideration'), from *reputare* ('to reckon, consider'), from *re-* ('again, back') + *putare* ('to trim, prune, reckon').
The word 'reputation' has been in use since the 14th century, initially referring to the estimation or opinion of the public.
Memory tip
Think of 're-putation' as what is put back on you – your name and what people think of it.
Word Origin
"to reckon, consider"