prestige

noun

pres·​tige pre-ˈstēzh 

-ˈstēj

often attributive

1

: standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion

2

: commanding position in people's minds

prestigeful

pre-ˈstēzh-fəl 

-ˈstēj-

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for prestige

influence, authority, prestige, weight, credit mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others.

influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Examples of prestige in a Sentence

Her career as a diplomat has brought her enormous prestige.

The job has low pay and low prestige.

The family has wealth and social prestige.

Recent Examples on the Web

Toyota considers the Crown Signia wagon and the Crown sedan prestige vehicles. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 6 June 2024

Unlike supermarket brands where private-label is often the cheaper alternative, at Erewhon it’s positioned as a prestige line that includes olive oil, chocolate, honey, coffee, candles and dietary supplements. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024

Survivor and American Idol were the more popular shows, but The Amazing Race had a prestige sheen (world travel! —Joe Reid, Vulture, 31 May 2024

Beaver’s other acting credits run the gamut from a two-episode stint on the 1970s soap Dallas to a repeat turn on ‘90s comedy 3rd Rock from the Sun to regular spots on prestige dramas Deadwood (2004–2006) and Justified (2011–2013). —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 26 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, conjuror's trick, illusion, from Latin praestigiae, plural, conjuror's tricks, from praestringere to graze, blunt, constrict, from prae- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prestige

noun

pres·​tige pre-ˈstēzh 

-ˈstēj

: importance in the eyes of other people

prestigious

-ˈstij-əs

adjective

prestigiously adverb

prestigiousness noun