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

Having another Ballon d’Or winner in their ranks, the first since Messi left for Inter Miami, helped the French side add another layer of prestige in a calendar year that changed everything at the Parc des Princes. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

When Ulta and Target broke up — prompting Target to try to make it on its own in prestige beauty with the August launch of Target Studio — the general consensus was that the return of the partnership simply wasn’t worth the investment. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

This is when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicks off and lasts for a few weeks, highlighting thousands of prestige brands and SKUs that are normally never discounted—on Nordstrom or elsewhere! — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2026

This year there are fewer obvious awards heavyweights in the mix, at a time when prestige and independent films have become harder to finance, distribute and sell to audiences. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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