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

Neutral venues would not only level the competitive playing field but also create more cohesive tournament environments, increase sponsorship opportunities, and elevate the overall prestige of early-round games. —Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

The designation is widely viewed as a ticket to securing more grant funding, top faculty and the prestige that comes with being in the same category as every Ivy League institution. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025

Now, through a combination of canny collaborations (Charli XCX, Arca), hip creative direction, and bulletproof singles, her forthcoming debut album (still untitled and speculative) has all the potential to cement Rae’s status among the pop prestige. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025

Nascent formats saw even greater momentum, with body sprays soaring 94 percent in prestige and hair fragrances also up 32 percent. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 11 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