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

In the capital, the Marriott chain is about to open its first prestige hotel opposite the central train station. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 June 2025

But the program that the Academy supplied could not account for the industry’s radical shift away from quality and prestige films. —Armond White, National Review, 27 June 2025

One of Them Days (2025) 118 reviews — 94% approval rating One of the best movies of 2025 isn’t a prestige drama or a big-budget blockbuster. —Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Indeed, a central question surrounding the new resort is if one of the world’s most secretive and repressive countries is prepared to make more of a new foray into international tourism, potentially adding to its foreign cash reserves and prestige. —Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 June 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