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

Yet the government still clings, against all odds, to what remains of the Cuban revolution’s political prestige. —Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026

And then there is the Durbar, a banquet hall where eight elegant pillars bring prestige to the party. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The festival only stands to benefit if both weekends are viewed with equal levels of prestige and anticipation, something only made easier if the shows are differentiated and can generate their own unique excitement. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026

Beyond the building’s prestige and the apartment’s scale, the price is what stands out; Griffin paid well above where similarly sized apartments are priced, with two apartments in the building asking around $22 million. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 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