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

Strong applications are not built on superficial prestige or last-minute resume padding. —Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The enthusiastic, high-energy executive has a degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University, and more than two decades of experience working in beauty, prestige and premium markets including at Unilever, earlier in her career, Procter & Gamble, and the jeweler Pandora. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025

While he's primarily known for his work in Hollywood blockbusters, Johnson attended TIFF to promote his role in his first prestige drama, The Smashing Machine, which has generated significant Oscar buzz for his leading role as real-life UFC fighter, Mark Kerr. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025

Breaking out with turns in prestige titles like Eighth Grade and The White Lotus, the actor is coming off of turns in the likes of Nickel Boys, Gladiator II, and Thelma. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Sep. 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