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

For women, these part-time gigs can confer prestige, power and a hefty paycheck. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 14 May 2026

Medik8, first launched in 2009, is part of L’Oréal’s Luxe division alongside prestige brands like Biotherm, Mugler, Kiehl’s and more. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 14 May 2026

Gold is among the most accomplished casting directors working in prestige film and television, best known for assembling the vast ensemble of HBO’s Game of Thrones across eight seasons, a task that required filling hundreds of roles across a decade of production. —Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

For much of the 1980s and ’90s, France regularly mounted sprawling prestige productions on a scale few European industries could match. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 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