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

The company’s collaborative model enables large-scale orchestral scoring alongside cross-genre experimentation—serving global franchises, prestige film, television, documentaries and multimedia experiences. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

It’s set to debut there in January 2027, following a move from its longtime home in Park City, Utah, and will bring tens of thousands of out-of-state visitors and global cultural prestige to the city. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026

In Bedtime Stories, the duo proves just how deep their humor and creative edge runs by making slick, almost prestige-TV-looking short films that let their character comedy breathe and find nuance. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026

Despite its national prestige, the botanical garden is often overlooked when people visit the zoo. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 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