respectability

IPA/rɪˌspektəˈbɪləti/
KK[rispˌɛktəbˈɪlɪti]IPA/rɪˌspektəˈbɪləti/

respectability — noun

1. the state of being seen by the people around you as honest, proper, and worthy o

1.名詞B2
釋義

the state of being seen by the people around you as honest, proper, and worthy of approval — for example, the kind of respectability that comes from holding a steady job, keeping out of trouble, and following accepted social rules.

例句

After the scandal, the once-respected professor fought for years to rebuild his respectability.

collocation: rebuild respectability

Linh's grandmother often spoke about the respectability of owning your own home rather than renting.

collocation: respectability of + gerund

同義詞
  • decency

    focuses more on moral standards and fairness; less tied to social appearance than respectability

  • propriety

    more formal, emphasises correct or appropriate behaviour in social settings

  • dignity

    stresses a person's sense of self-worth and composure rather than society's approval

  • reputability

    almost synonymous but slightly narrower — emphasises having a good name in business or professional contexts

反義詞
  • disrepute

    the state of being known for bad behaviour and no longer respected

  • shame

    stronger emotional tone; a painful feeling of having done something wrong

  • infamy

    being famous for something bad or evil

用法筆記

Uncountable noun. Frequently appears in noun phrases such as 'air of respectability', 'veneer of respectability', or 'stamp of respectability' to suggest the impression of being respectable, sometimes with the implication that the appearance is fragile or not entirely genuine.

常見錯誤

❌The charity's respectability was high in the community.
✅The charity enjoyed a good reputation in the community.
💡'Respectability' is about being socially proper, not about how positively people rate you. Use 'reputation' for the general opinion people hold.