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

What the series share is a tone that splits the difference between prestige costume drama, high melodrama, and fairy tale (the Elizabeths come from a family that practices magic). —Judy Berman, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

Originally from rural Brittany, Pinault moved from his father’s timber business to owning prestige vineyards, Gucci, high-end cruise lines, and ... —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 4 Apr. 2024

Indeed, the Achilles’ heel of such items is discounting, which chips away at the aura of prestige. —The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024

But the newest honor comes with an extra dose of prestige. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024

Dark Matter could seem like run-of-the-mill prestige TV—adapted from a bestselling book (by Blake Crouch), noir-ish in look and tone—except its cut-above cast raises the stakes. —Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024

The trouble isn’t only that of inflated prestige; bio-pics are disproportionately prominent during awards season and therefore ballyhooed nearly to oblivion. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024

Although a resort with this much prestige could be stuffy and unapproachable, The Breakers is anything but. —Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024

The pairing of Strong opposite Michael Imperioli, making his Broadway debut as Peter, Thomas’s brother and the mayor who leads the charge against him, lends the revival a certain cable-drama prestige. —Naveen Kumar, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024

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