What is reputation? Pronunciation and usage in English

reputation means . Learn how to pronounce and use reputation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reputation

reputationnoun

/ˌrɛpjʊˈteɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of reputation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reputation." It can be tricky for some people! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Reputation" is generally divided into three syllables:

  • re - like the beginning of "red"
  • pu - like "put"
  • ta - like "ta-ble"
  • tion - like "t-ay-shun"

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

Here’s a more detailed breakdown, focusing on the sounds:

  • re (as in “red”): Short “e” sound.
  • pu (as in “put”): Short “u” sound.
  • ta (as in “table”): “ah” sound (like in "father").
  • tion (as in “station”): This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like “shun.” It's NOT like "t-ee-shun." It's a single, rapid sound.

3. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: re-puh-TAY-shun

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the “tion”: It flows smoothly into the next syllable.
  • The “T” sound in “TAY” is clear: Make sure you clearly pronounce this "T."
  • Don’t say “tee”: This is a really common mistake.

Resources to hear it:

Would you like me to:

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  • Give you some practice phrases?

Usage and examples with the word reputation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reputation" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Core Meaning: A General Impression

At its most basic, "reputation" refers to what people generally think of someone or something. It's the overall feeling or image that's formed in others' minds.

  • Example: "The restaurant has a reputation for excellent food." (People generally think it's good.)
  • Example: "He gained a bad reputation for being unreliable." (People generally see him as not dependable.)
  • Example: "The company’s reputation is built on quality and customer service." (They are known for these things.)

2. As a Noun - Different Types of Reputation

Here’s where it gets a little more specific. “Reputation” can refer to different kinds of well-established impressions:

  • Professional Reputation: This relates to someone's standing in their field.

    • Example: "As a lawyer, she has a strong professional reputation."
    • Example: "The architect’s innovative designs have earned him a good professional reputation."

  • Personal Reputation: This is about how people perceive an individual.

    • Example: "He tried to repair his personal reputation after the scandal."
    • Example: "She has a quiet, respected personal reputation in the community."

  • Business Reputation: How a company is seen by customers and the public.

    • Example: "Their business reputation was damaged by the product recall.”

  • Academic Reputation: Refers to a university's or school's standing in education.

    • Example: "Oxford University has a worldwide academic reputation."

3. As a Verb - To Earn or Lose a Reputation

"Reputation" can also be used as a verb, meaning to gain or lose a good standing.

  • Example: "He's working hard to build a good reputation." (He’s trying to earn a positive image.)
  • Example: “The politician’s actions damaged his reputation.” (He lost a good standing.)
  • Example: "She earned a reputation for honesty and integrity." (She gained a positive image.)

4. Useful Phrases & Idioms

  • "On good reputation": Based on a positive impression. "He was chosen for the job on good reputation."
  • "To have a good reputation": To be known for positive qualities. "She has a good reputation as a teacher."
  • "To lose face": (Informal) To suffer a loss of reputation or dignity, often publicly. "He lost face when he made that mistake."
  • "To uphold one's reputation": To maintain a good standing. “It’s important to uphold your reputation.”

Tips for Using "Reputation" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The specific meaning of "reputation" depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to add variety: standing, image, esteem, regard, acclaim.
  • Adjectives: Adding adjectives can strengthen your description: “a stellar reputation,” “a growing reputation,” “a controversial reputation.”

Could you give me a sentence or a situation where you’d like to use the word “reputation” so I can give you a more tailored example? For example, are you writing about a business, a person, or something else?

Synonyms for the word reputation

Practice with vocabulary reputation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A company's strong ethical practices contribute to its positive ____________.
  2. His professional ____________ suffered after the recent investigative report.
  3. The expert's ____________ as a reliable source of information was beyond question.
  4. The new CEO aims to improve the company's public ____________ through a rebranding campaign.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms primarily refers to the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something? a) reputation b) notoriety c) recognition d) status

  2. A positive ____________ is essential for a business seeking to attract top talent and loyal customers. a) brand identity b) public image c) financial outlook d) reputation

  3. Which of the following are crucial for building a strong professional ____________? a) consistently delivering high-quality work b) networking effectively within the industry c) avoiding public speaking engagements d) upholding ethical standards

  4. The university's long-standing ____________ for academic excellence is well-documented. a) renown b) esteem c) prominence d) acclaim

  5. After the recent data breach, the company had to work hard to rebuild public ____________ in its security measures. a) confidence b) sentiment c) trust d) transparency

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: People think highly of the doctor because of his many successful surgeries. Rewrite: The doctor __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

  2. Original: The scandal severely damaged the company's standing in the market. Rewrite: The scandal severely damaged the company's __________________________________________________________________________________________.

  3. Original: Her honesty and reliability have earned her respect from all her colleagues. Rewrite: Her honesty and reliability have earned her high ___________________________________________________________________________________.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. reputation
  2. reputation
  3. credibility
  4. image

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) reputation
  2. a) brand identity, b) public image, d) reputation
  3. a) consistently delivering high-quality work, b) networking effectively within the industry, d) upholding ethical standards
  4. a) renown, b) esteem, c) prominence, d) acclaim
  5. a) confidence, c) trust

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The doctor has an excellent reputation thanks to his many successful surgeries.
  2. The scandal severely damaged the company's market reputation.
  3. Her honesty and reliability have earned her high esteem from all her colleagues.

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