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

In the years following the 2003 finale, Williams continued to star in prestige films, and earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain in 2005. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025

In recent years, Krumholtz has had an air of prestige about him, starring in David Simon’s The Deuce (2017–2019) and his adaptation of Philip Roth’s alternate history novel, The Plot Against America (2020). —Danny Horn, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Top-flight leagues routinely negotiate multi-billion-dollar broadcasting agreements, the proceeds of which are apportioned based on club visibility, performance, and historical prestige. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The look that is lack of prestige surrounding the AEW Trios Titles further contributed to the segment's shortcomings. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 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