Which of the following is the closest in meaning to the word REPUTATION?

Concept

A synonym question asks for the word whose core dictionary sense matches the target word most closely. "Reputation" denotes the overall estimate or character that the public attributes to a person or thing — i.e., what one is generally judged to be. The best synonym is the word that captures this idea of one's generally-held character or standing, not merely a single positive feeling it can evoke.

Application

Dictionaries define "reputation" as the overall quality or character of a person as judged by people in general (Merriam-Webster), and standard thesauri list character directly as a synonym of "reputation" (Collins). The word that shares this core meaning of the standing/character ascribed to someone is Character.

Contrast

• Respect — a feeling of deference or admiration one shows toward another; it is an attitude held about a person, not the person's overall standing itself.

• Fame — the state of being widely known; one can be famous (or infamous) regardless of the quality of one's reputation, so it is narrower than "reputation".

• Honour — high public esteem or moral uprightness; a positive distinction conferred on someone, not the neutral general estimate that "reputation" carries.

Closest in meaning: Character.