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prestige

noun, often attributive pres·tige \ pre-ˈstēzh , -ˈstēj \
|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of prestige

1 : standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion
2 : commanding position in people's minds
—

prestigeful

play \pre-ˈstēzh-fəl, -ˈstēj-\ adjective

See prestige defined for English-language learners

See prestige defined for kids

Examples of prestige in a Sentence

  1. Her career as a diplomat has brought her enormous prestige.

  2. The job has low pay and low prestige.

  3. The family has wealth and social prestige.

Recent Examples of prestige from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prestige.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of prestige

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

Synonym Discussion of 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

PRESTIGE Defined for English Language Learners

prestige

noun

Definition of prestige for English Language Learners

  • : the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important

PRESTIGE Defined for Kids

prestige

noun pres·tige \ pre-ˈstēzh \

Definition of prestige for Students

: importance or respect gained through success or excellence

Learn More about prestige

  1. See words that rhyme with prestige Spanish Central: Translation of prestige Nglish: Translation of prestige for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prestige for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prestige

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