cachet

Q: What is the difference between 'cache' and 'cachet'?

Although the two words come from the same root (the French cacher , meaning "to press, hide"), cache and cachet have different meanings . Cache primarily refers to a thing that is hidden or stored somewhere, or to the place where it is hidden. It has recently taken on another common meaning, "short-term computer memory where information is stored for easy retrieval." Cachet usually means "prestige" or "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige."

Q: What is the difference between 'cachet' and 'prestige'?

Several of the senses of cachet are similar, or synonymous with prestige ; among its definitions are "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige," "an indication of approval carrying great prestige," and "prestige." However, cachet does have additional meanings which share little of their meaning with prestige , including "a medicinal preparation for swallowing," and "a seal used especially as a mark of official approval."

Q: How do you pronounce 'cachet'?

Cache and cash are pronounced the same, but cachet is pronounced \cash-AY. Cachet and cache share the same origin, the French cacher "to press, hide"; cash , however, comes from a different root, the Latin word for "chest" ( capsa ).

noun

ca·chet ka-ˈshā

Synonyms of cachet next

: a seal used especially as a mark of official approval

: an indication of approval carrying great prestige

The president placed his cachet on the project.

: a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige

regarded the possession of real estate as a cachet of respectability

: prestige

being rich … doesn't have the cachet it used to—

Truman Capote

: a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste enclosing a medicine

: a design or inscription on an envelope to commemorate a postal or philatelic event

: an advertisement forming part of a postage meter impression

: a motto or slogan included in a postal cancellation (see cancellation sense 3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cache and cachet?

Although the two words come from the same root (the French cacher, meaning "to press, hide"), cache and cachet have different meanings. Cache primarily refers to a thing that is hidden or stored somewhere, or to the place where it is hidden. It has recently taken on another common meaning, "short-term computer memory where information is stored for easy retrieval." Cachet usually means "prestige" or "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige."

What is the difference between cachet and prestige?

Several of the senses of cachet are similar, or synonymous with prestige; among its definitions are "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige," "an indication of approval carrying great prestige," and "prestige." However, cachet does have additional meanings which share little of their meaning with prestige, including "a medicinal preparation for swallowing," and "a seal used especially as a mark of official approval."

How do you pronounce cachet?

Cache and cash are pronounced the same, but cachet is pronounced \cash-AY. Cachet and cache share the same origin, the French cacher "to press, hide"; cash, however, comes from a different root, the Latin word for "chest" (capsa).

Examples of cachet in a Sentence

a movie director with great artistic cachet His research in Antarctica gave him a certain cachet among other scientists.

Recent Examples on the Web In place of showcasing a unique proficiency in post-bebop language, these globally minded artists arrive by making albums of sonic and conceptual insight for labels of cultural cachet. —

Evan Haga, SPIN, 11 Apr. 2024 The band did earn some critical acclaim and cachet: John Lennon was photographed wearing a Raspberries shirt. —

Ron Depasquale, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 As Harbaugh makes an exit bathed in glory, the next coach will have to overcome all the same issues with a fraction of the cachet. —

Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 The full-menu restaurant, while pricey, adds further cachet to this swanky joint. —

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024 Cashmere Cashmere’s cachet is entangled with the vestiges of empire. —

The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024 New York’s retail appeal Manhattan’s social cachet has attracted shoppers near and far, CBRE added. —

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 But presence in the index, which began in 1896, comes with a certain level of cachet. —

Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024 Together, the struggles of even smaller sports teams to find a home in Oakland have fed the perception that the city’s cultural cachet is on the decline. —

Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cachet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "small seal with a coat of arms and initials engraved or in relief used to seal documents, a document so sealed, mark of approval, distinctive character," going back to Middle French, from cacher "to press" + -et -et entry 1 (here as a suffix of instrument) — more at cache entry 1

Note: See note at cache entry 1.

First Known Use

circa 1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of cachet was circa 1639

See more words from the same year

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Style

“Cachet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cachet. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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Medical Definition

cachet

noun

ca·chet ka-ˈshā

: a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste containing an unpleasant-tasting medicine

called also wafer, wafer capsule

Last Updated: 25 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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cachet

noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Examples of cachet in a Sentence

Word History

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near cachet

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition