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

Opponents, like Europe’s UEFA, counter that the World Cup’s prestige has long rested on qualification being one of the hardest achievements in sports. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

There are beauty sales, and then there’s the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — an annual shopping event where prestige skin care favorites, exclusive value sets, and luxury splurges all come together in one place. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Nolan takes the oldest adventure story in Western literature and gives it the full prestige treatment. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 July 2026

Some of China’s millions of runners pay high prices for the prestige of wearing Nike or Adidas, but more and more are buying domestic brands. — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

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