* Image: This entry will typically discuss how individuals or entities are perceived by others, often highlighting the idea of public perception.
* Reputation: This entry explores the overall assessment of a person or entity based on past actions and behavior.
* Brand: While this is primarily used in a commercial context, it touches upon the public perception and image of a company or product.
Why "public image" might not have a specific definition:
* Common usage: The phrase is relatively straightforward, and its meaning is generally understood. It's considered a common, intuitive concept rather than a technical term requiring a formal definition.
* Variability: Public image is somewhat subjective and can differ based on the specific entity and its target audience. Defining it rigidly might be impractical.
* Evolution: The concept of public image is constantly evolving, especially in our digitally driven world. Dictionaries might struggle to keep up with its nuances and variations.
Instead of a specific definition, dictionaries might offer:
* Synonyms: Words like "reputation," "public perception," "brand image," or "persona" are often used to describe similar concepts.
* Examples: Dictionaries might provide examples of how "public image" is used in different contexts.
* Contextual clues: By analyzing the surrounding words in a sentence, readers can typically decipher the meaning of "public image" based on the context.
So, while you might not find a singular definition of "public image" in a dictionary, the concept is understood and explained through various related entries and examples.