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

While prestige body care has exploded in recent years, dermatologists say the drugstore aisle still delivers the most effective formulas. —Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026

The players want it, and the league has reluctantly accepted that a break in the middle of its season once every four years is worth the risk, and the headaches, to enjoy the power, prestige and reach that only the Olympics creates. —Mac Engel march 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

But Harvard isn’t alone in driving demand—and the composition of this year’s list suggests that prestige reigns supreme in the minds of most applicants. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026

China and other countries want the prestige of landing on the moon, while the United States wants to use the moon as a stepping stone. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 23 Mar. 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