rep

UK: rep | US: rep

Definition

  1. n. (informal) short for "reputation" (one's standing in the eyes of others)

  2. n. (informal) short for "representative" (a person acting on behalf of others)

  3. n. (theater) short for "repertory" (a company performing a repertoire of plays)

Structure
rep <shortened form of "reputation," "representative," or "repertory">
Etymology

"Rep" is a clipped form of three distinct words—"reputation," "representative," and "repertory"—each with its own Latin roots. "Reputation" derives from Latin reputare (to reckon), "representative" from Latin repraesentare (to present again), and "repertory" from Latin repertorium (a storehouse). The truncation reflects English's tendency to abbreviate frequently used terms, especially in informal or specialized contexts (e.g., theater slang).

Examples

  1. He has a solid rep as a reliable businessman.

  2. The sales rep visited our office yesterday.

  3. She joined a theater rep after graduating.

  4. Don’t ruin your rep over a silly mistake.

  5. The local rep addressed the community’s concerns.