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

Awards prestige does not necessarily translate to box office dollars these days, as many people would rather sit at home and stream a movie—or, more likely, a TV show—from their couch. —Chris Dobstaff, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

La Prairie, the prestige skin care brand’s sales significantly slowed in 2024, declining 6.2 percent to 509 million euros. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025

From a secure location presumably in Vatican City, Pope Crave spoke with Them over Zoom about falling in love with the prestige drama, starting a movement around it, and turning obsessive Conclave fandom into a force for good. —Samantha Allen, Them, 26 Feb. 2025

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The Wheel of Time is one of Prime Video's prestige shows, a lavish adaptation of author Robert Jordan's 14-book series. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 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