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

Unit sales of prestige body products grew even faster by 14 percent, according to Circana. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026

The penthouse comes to market amid a notable reshuffling of Australia’s prestige property landscape. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026

This full-day event, open to all festival badgeholders, will explore the enduring global obsession with stories of mystery, justice and deception, from prestige documentaries and investigative journalism to hit television series and chart-topping podcasts. —William Earl, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026

Macron has framed the overhaul as a national priority, comparing its ambition to other landmark French restoration efforts and casting it as part of a broader defense of French cultural prestige. —Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 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