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

Tonight’s show is hosted by Walton Goggins, who has been on a tear lately at HBO, appearing on two of the best examples of modern prestige TV: The White Lotus and The Righteous Gemstones. —EW.com, 11 May 2025

That’s one-fifth of NIH awards and 18% of NSF grants—driven not by brand-name prestige but by proximity to their communities and commitment to the public good. —Charles L. Welch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Khare joins a growing number of digital-first storytellers reshaping the prestige TV conversation, one challenge at a time. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 May 2025

Amazon’s highlighter category is ruled by mass brands, however, prestige brands, including Saie, are beginning to gain meaningful share. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 9 May 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