Reputation vs. Honor — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Reputation refers to how others perceive someone based on past actions, while honor denotes an individual's adherence to ethical principles and personal integrity.
Difference Between Reputation and Honor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reputation is the collective opinion of an individual or entity formed by the public or community based on past actions, behaviors, and achievements. It reflects how others view a person's character, reliability, and competence. Honor, on the other hand, is an individual's intrinsic sense of ethical behavior, integrity, and adherence to moral principles. It is more about personal values and the commitment to doing what is right regardless of external perceptions.
Reputation is influenced by how others perceive one's actions, making it a social construct. This perception can be affected by rumors, public opinion, and societal values. Honor, however, is a personal attribute, less swayed by external opinions and more rooted in personal principles and conscience.
In social contexts, a good reputation can open doors and create opportunities, while maintaining honor can provide a sense of personal fulfillment and integrity. A person can have a good reputation without necessarily being honorable if their actions are perceived positively despite lacking genuine integrity. Conversely, an honorable person might not always have a good reputation if their ethical choices are misunderstood or undervalued by others.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Public perception based on past actions
Personal adherence to ethical principles
Focus
External (how others see you)
Internal (personal integrity)
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Influence
Can be influenced by public opinion and rumors
Rooted in individual moral values
Stability
Can fluctuate based on actions and opinions
More stable, based on consistent principles
Social Impact
Affects social standing and opportunities
Provides personal fulfillment and respect
Example
E.g., A respected community leader
E.g., A person who always tells the truth
Compare with Definitions
Reputation
The collective opinion about someone's character.
She has a reputation for being very reliable.
Honor
Adherence to moral and ethical principles.
She acted with honor in all her business dealings.
Reputation
The esteem in which one is held.
He built a reputation as a skilled negotiator.
Honor
A sense of what is right and just.
He showed honor by standing up for his friend.
Reputation
Public perception based on past actions.
His reputation was tarnished after the scandal.
Honor
Recognition of ethical conduct.
The soldier received a medal of honor for his bravery.
Reputation
How others view a person or entity.
The company works hard to maintain a good reputation.
Honor
High respect or esteem for one’s principles.
Her honor was evident in her unwavering honesty.
Reputation
The reputation of a social entity (a person, a social group, an organization, or a place) is an opinion about that entity typically as a result of social evaluation on a set of criteria, such as behaviour or performance.Reputation is a ubiquitous, spontaneous, and highly efficient mechanism of social control in natural societies. It is a subject of study in social, management, and technological sciences.
Honor
High respect, as that shown for special merit; recognition or esteem
The honor shown to a Nobel laureate.
The place of honor at the table.
Reputation
The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something
His reputation was tarnished by allegations of bribery
Honor
Great privilege
I have the honor of presenting the governor.
Reputation
The general opinion or judgment of the public about a person or thing
A senator with a tarnished reputation.
A restaurant with a good reputation.
Honor
Good name; reputation
I must defend my honor.
Reputation
The state or situation of being held in high esteem
Feared damage to his reputation.
Honor
A source or cause of credit
Was an honor to the profession.
Reputation
A widespread ascription of a characteristic or trait to a person or thing
A sales clerk who has a reputation for courtesy.
A columnist with the reputation of being acerbic.
Honor
A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction, such as a military decoration.
Reputation
What somebody is known for.
Honor
Public acts or ceremonies showing respect
Was buried with full honors.
Reputation
The estimation in which one is held; character in public opinion; the character attributed to a person, thing, or action; repute.
The best evidence of reputation is a man's whole life.
Honor
Special recognition for unusual academic achievement
Graduated with honors.
Reputation
The character imputed to a person in the community in which he lives. It is admissible in evidence when he puts his character in issue, or when such reputation is otherwise part of the issue of a case.
Honor
A program of advanced study for exceptional students
Planned to take honors in history.
Reputation
Specifically: Good reputation; favorable regard; public esteem; general credit; good name.
I see my reputation is at stake.
The security of his reputation or good name.
Honor
Social courtesies offered to guests
Did the honors at tea.
Reputation
Account; value.
[/Christ] made himself of no reputation.
Honor
High rank
Assumed the honor of kingship.
Reputation
The state of being held in high esteem and honor
Honor
Honor Used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for certain officials, such as judges and the mayors of certain cities
Her Honor, Judge Jones.
Reputation
Notoriety for some particular characteristic;
His reputation for promiscuity
Honor
A sense of principled uprightness of character; personal integrity
Conducted herself with honor.
Saw the challenge as a matter of honor.
Reputation
The general estimation that the public has for a person;
He acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing
He was a person of bad report
Honor
A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.
Reputation
Social standing or regard.
The artist’s reputation grew after the successful exhibit.
Honor
A woman's chastity or reputation for chastity.
Honor
(Sports) The right of being first at the tee in golf.
Honor
Any of the four or five highest cards, especially the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the trump suit, in card games such as bridge or whist.
Honor
Often honors The points allotted to these cards.
Honor
To hold in respect; esteem
A researcher who is highly honored for her work.
Honor
To show respect for
Honored the volunteers with a party.
Honor
To confer distinction on
He has honored us with his presence.
Honor
To bow to (another dancer) in square dancing
Honor your partner.
Honor
To accept or pay as valid
Honor a check.
A store that honors all credit cards.
Honor
(uncountable) recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful
The crowds gave the returning general much honor and praise.
Honor
(uncountable) the state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favourable reputation; dignity
He was a most perfect knight, for he had great honor and chivalry.
His honor was unstained.
Honor
(countable) a token of praise or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as a prize or award given by the state to a citizen
Honors are normally awarded twice a year: on The Queen's Birthday in June and at the New Year.
He wore an honor on his breast.
Military honors; civil honors
Audie Murphy received many honors, such as the Distinguished Service Cross.
Honor
A privilege
I had the honour of dining with the ambassador.
Honor
(in the plural) the privilege of going first
I'll let you have the honours, Bob—go ahead.
Honor
(golf) the right to play one's ball before one's opponent.
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.
He is an honour to his nation.
Honor
(feudal law) a seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended
Honor
In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.
Honor
(in the plural) (courses for) an honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank
At university I took honours in modern history.
Honor
(transitive) to think of highly, to respect highly; to show respect for; to recognise the importance or spiritual value of
The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honored by the people.
Honor
(transitive) to conform to, abide by, act in accordance with (an agreement, treaty, promise, request, or the like)
I trusted you, but you have not honored your promise.
Refuse to honor the test ban treaty
Honor
(transitive) to confer (bestow) an honour or privilege upon (someone)
Ten members of the profession were honored at the ceremony.
The prince honored me with an invitation to his birthday banquet.
Honor
(transitive) to make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft, etc.)
I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honour your cheque.
Honor
Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence.
A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country.
Honor
That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect; dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high moral worth; virtue; nobleness.
Godlike erect, with native honor clad.
Honor
Purity; chastity; - a term applied mostly to women, but becoming uncommon in usage.
If she have forgotHonor and virtue.
Honor
A nice sense of what is right, just, and true, with course of life correspondent thereto; strict conformity to the duty imposed by conscience, position, or privilege; integrity; uprightness; trustworthness.
Say, what is honor? 'T is the finest senseOf justice which the human mind can frame,Intent each lurking frailty to disclaim,And guard the way of life from all offenseSuffered or done.
I could not love thee, dear, so much,Loved I not honor more.
Honor
That to which esteem or consideration is paid; distinguished position; high rank.
I have given thee . . . both riches, and honor.
Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.
Honor
Fame; reputation; credit.
Some in their actions do woo, and affect honor and reputation.
If my honor is meant anything distinct from conscience, 't is no more than a regard to the censure and esteem of the world.
Honor
A token of esteem paid to worth; a mark of respect; a ceremonial sign of consideration; as, he wore an honor on his breast; military honors; civil honors.
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament; as, he is an honor to his nation.
Honor
A title applied to the holders of certain honorable civil offices, or to persons of rank; as, His Honor the Mayor. See Note under Honorable.
Honor
A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended.
Honor
Academic or university prizes or distinctions; as, honors in classics.
Honor
The ace, king, queen, and jack of trumps. The ten and nine are sometimes called Dutch honors.
Honor
To regard or treat with honor, esteem, or respect; to revere; to treat with deference and submission; when used of the Supreme Being, to reverence; to adore; to worship.
Honor thy father and thy mother.
That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.
It is a customMore honor'd in the breach than the observance.
Honor
To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to bestow honor upon; to elevate in rank or station; to ennoble; to exalt; to glorify; hence, to do something to honor; to treat in a complimentary manner or with civility.
Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighten to honor.
The name of Cassius honors this corruption.
Honor
To accept and pay when due; as, to honora bill of exchange.
Honor
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Honor
The state of being honored
Honor
The quality of being honorable and having a good name;
A man of honor
Honor
A woman's virtue or chastity
Honor
Bestow honor or rewards upon;
Today we honor our soldiers
The scout was rewarded for courageus action
Honor
Show respect towards;
Honor your parents!
Honor
Accept as pay;
We honor checks and drafts
Honor
Personal integrity and self-respect.
Maintaining honor meant refusing the bribe.
Common Curiosities
Can reputation change over time?
Yes, reputation can fluctuate based on new actions and changing public opinions.
What is reputation?
Reputation is how others perceive someone based on their past actions and behaviors.
What is honor?
Honor is an individual's adherence to ethical principles and personal integrity.
How is reputation formed?
Reputation is formed through the collective opinions of others based on observed actions and behaviors.
How is honor maintained?
Honor is maintained by consistently acting in accordance with one's moral and ethical beliefs.
Can someone be honorable without a good reputation?
Yes, if their ethical actions are misunderstood or undervalued by others.
Is honor influenced by public opinion?
No, honor is more about personal principles and is less influenced by external opinions.
Why is honor important to an individual?
Honor provides a sense of personal fulfillment and integrity, guiding ethical behavior.
How does one build a good reputation?
By consistently demonstrating positive behaviors and actions that align with societal expectations.
What impacts reputation?
Reputation can be impacted by actions, behaviors, public opinion, and societal values.
Can someone have a good reputation but lack honor?
Yes, if their actions are perceived positively despite lacking genuine integrity.
What is the key difference between reputation and honor?
Reputation is based on external perceptions, while honor is rooted in internal principles and integrity.
What impacts honor?
Honor is impacted by an individual's adherence to their personal ethical and moral principles.
Why is reputation important in society?
A good reputation can open doors and create opportunities in personal and professional contexts.
How does one uphold honor?
By staying true to one's ethical and moral principles, even in challenging situations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
