The word "声望" is formed by combining the character "声", meaning sound or voice, which here extends to what is said about someone, with "望", meaning to look or gaze, which here implies being looked up to or esteemed. Together, they create a compound word where "声" conveys the auditory aspect of reputation, what is heard, and "望" conveys the visual aspect of respect, what is admired, resulting in the meaning of prestige or reputation.