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

An Irish actress known for her work in prestige pictures like Brooklyn, Lady Bird and Little Women, Ronan has most recently been seen in Nora Fingscheidt’s The Outrun and Steve McQueen’s Blitz. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025

Hermès is a brand with much lore around its leather goods, primarily handbags, which represent its core business and fuel its prestige. —Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Since then, shoppers have become increasingly focused on cultural identity and long-term value over brand prestige. —Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025

According to Gordon & MacPhail director of prestige and fourth-generation member of the family that owns the company, Stephen Rankin, barley supplies were limited for making whisky because they were needed for food, but some grain still managed to make it to the Glenlivet distillery. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 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