Word: reputable (adjective)

Associations

Reputable means that someone or something is well thought of and respected. It often refers to people, businesses, or organizations that have a good reputation.

• A reputable doctor is one who is known for their skill and ethical practices. This means patients trust them and believe they will receive good care.
• A reputable company is one that has a history of treating customers well and providing quality products. People are more likely to buy from them because they trust their brand.
• A reputable university is known for its high academic standards and successful graduates. Students want to attend such institutions because they believe it will help their future careers.

The synonym "esteemed" is similar, but "reputable" focuses more on the public's perception and trustworthiness, while "esteemed" emphasizes respect and admiration.

Substitution

Instead of "reputable," you could use:

• "trustworthy" - This emphasizes reliability.
• "respected" - This highlights admiration more than reputation.
• "reliable" - This suggests consistency and dependability.

Using these words can slightly change the meaning. For example, "trustworthy" focuses on being honest, while "respected" is more about admiration.

Deconstruction

The word "reputable" comes from the Latin root "reputare," which means "to think over" or "to consider." The prefix "re-" means "again" or "back," and the root "putare" means "to think" or "to reckon." Together, it implies a thoughtful consideration of someone's character or actions, leading to a reputation.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a person or business you consider reputable? Why do you think they have that reputation?
• How does being reputable affect someone's career or business?
• Have you ever had a bad experience with a company that was once reputable? What happened?