Definition of the word repute

The origin of the word "repute" can be traced back to the Middle English term "repout," which first appeared in the early 14th century. The word "repute" originally referred to the way people in a particular community perceived or judged someone based on their reputation. The term "repout" is derived from the Anglo-French word "repute," which in turn came from the Latin word "reputatio," meaning "regarding, looking back at, or estimation." The Latin word was composed of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the root "puto" (meaning "to esteem" or "to consider"). Initially, "repute" was often used in a legal context, especially in reference to someone's good or bad standing in society, which could have a bearing on legal proceedings or judgments. It was also employed in religious contexts, where it referred to the widespread acclaim or renown enjoyed by holy men or saints. Over time, the meaning of the word "repute" has expanded beyond its original referent, and it is now generally used in a more broad-based sense to denote someone's general reputation or esteem, whether favorable, unfavorable, or mixed. Nonetheless, the root meaning of the term retains its original connotation of public perception and social status.