disrepute
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “disrepute” mean?
noun.the state of being held in low esteem by the public.
SAT Usage
disrepute often appears in passages discussing societal issues, ethics, or reputational consequences of actions. It emphasizes the impact of public perception and moral standing, suggesting a loss of honor or respect that affects individuals or institutions, distinguishing it from terms like "infamy," which specifically denotes fame due to negative actions rather than a general decline in reputation.
Common Confusions
Disrepute implies a state of being held in low esteem by the public, while infamy usually suggests a notorious reputation gained specifically from negative actions or crimes.
Example Sentences
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The scandal brought the entire institution into disrepute.
Word Parts: How to Remember “disrepute”
Break “disrepute” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
di-apart, away (Latin)