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

Thus far producing and financing more than 100 features, dating back to its origins as Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, the company is also known for prestige dramas like Hell or High Water and The Place Beyond the Pines. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024

Sofia is a runaway success in that regard, balancing prestige drama complexity with theatrical Gotham extremes. —Gavia Baker-Whitelaw, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Chugging along the same prestige track is Emilia Pérez, the buzzy new film from French auteur Jacques Audiard. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024

More fundamentally, China has made its prestige hostage to the success of its axis partners. —Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 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