prestige

American  

[pre-steezh, -steej] / prɛˈstiʒ, -ˈstidʒ /

noun

1. reputation or influence arising from success, achievement, rank, or other favorable attributes.

   Synonyms:

   importance, weight

   Antonyms:

   disrepute

2. distinction or reputation attaching to a person or thing and thus possessing a cachet for others or for the public.

   The new discothèque has great prestige with the jet set.

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adjective

1. having or showing success, rank, wealth, etc.

prestige British  

/ prɛˈstiːʒ /

noun

1. high status or reputation achieved through success, influence, wealth, etc; renown

2. 1. the power to influence or impress; glamour

   2. ( modifier )

      a prestige car

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prestigeful
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of prestige

First recorded in 1650–60, for an earlier sense; from French (originally plural): “deceits, delusions, juggler's tricks,” from Latin praestīgiae “juggler's tricks,” variant of praestrīgiae, derivative of praestringere “to blind, blunt,” literally, “to bind hard, tie up,” from prae- pre- + stringere “to draw tight” ( see stringent)

Explanation

People, cars, schools, clubs, banks––all can be said to have prestige. Star in a blockbuster movie? Your prestige level just shot up. Make a really bad faux pas? Your prestige just went down. When something has prestige it is said to be prestigious. Often this is applied to colleges –– "After earning straight As and lettering in three Varsity sports, Vivian had her choice among prestigious universities." To remember this word, think about pres- — people or things with prestige often are covered by the press.

Example Sentences

It has all the hallmarks of a prestige Hollywood thriller, but this high-stakes scene is being framed entirely for a smartphone screen.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Bokhari himself brings a degree of prestige to the company.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

But many economists say India has always treated currency depreciation not merely as an economic adjustment, but as a matter of national prestige.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

It is that upward mobility is available, at scale, outside the prestige hierarchy and often at much lower prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

For whatever reason, the immediate goal had been accomplished: after decades of struggle, black students had finally gained a toehold in the most cherished white institutions of power and prestige.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• cachet
• dignity
• esteem
• importance
• power
• prominence
• reputation
• standing
• stature
• status
• weight