be respectable

[/bɪ rɪˈspɛktəbəl/]

verb phrase

ser respeitável

1. to have or maintain a good reputation; to be worthy of respect

He worked hard to be respectable in his community.

Ele trabalhou muito para ser respeitável em sua comunidade.

2. to meet acceptable standards of conduct or appearance

She wanted to be respectable at the formal dinner.

Ela queria ser respeitável no jantar formal.

3. to be of adequate quality or social standing

The restaurant aims to be respectable and reliable.

O restaurante visa ser respeitável e confiável.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ser respeitável

most common usage

Rio de Janeiro

ser respeitável

standard usage, may emphasize social standing

São Paulo

ser respeitável

standard usage, often used in business context

Portugal

ser respeitável

standard usage, equivalent formality

keep up appearances

maintain one's reputation

walk the straight and narrow

live down to one's reputation

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