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

Popular on Variety Fortunately, at a time when immigrants are feeling especially unwelcome in the U.S., prestige projects are opening up opportunities and creating role models for some of them like never before. —Gregg Goldstein, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025

Apple Mail Warning For Billions Google Security Alert As Backdoor VPN Threat Confirmed Understanding The Demands Of C-Suite Roles C-suite positions have prestige and rewards, but the demands are equally significant. —Andrea Nicholas, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Giorgio Armani Beauty, Lancôme and Estée Lauder are among the prestige players on Amazon, though others have yet to join. —James Manso, WWD, 7 Jan. 2025

Also starring Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, the prestige movie is expected to hit theaters in 2026. —Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025

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