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

Local analysts have enthused that Kokuho’s success proves the enduring appeal of prestige storytelling on the big screen and the power of distinctly Japanese material among domestic audiences. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025

The move, experts claim, shows how tightly the 44-year-old is holding onto the prestige of her royal status — despite having stepped away from the monarchy years ago. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025

English withdrawal was unthinkable, both for reasons of prestige, and because of the danger that the kingdom might be used as a springboard and rallying point for an invasion of England. —Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025

The Rolex Datejust, Cartier Santos, Omega Constellation, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Tag Heuer Monaco and the Patek Philippe Nautilus all captured the enduring heritage of the brands with prestige and style at the forefront. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

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