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

• 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” ( stringent )

Example Sentences

That’s left opportunities for outsize achievement for a government perennially hunting for propaganda victories and international prestige.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 78-year-old Englishman guided Portsmouth to 2008 FA Cup glory but Friday's win in a steeplechase, considered only second in prestige to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, will probably share pride of place in his life.

From Barron's

Their prestige and rarity makes them coveted by beer snobs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Retail analysts praise her discipline at Ralph Lauren, where she oversaw a strategy of cutting down the number of products to restore brand focus and prestige.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because the post-apocalyptic story of bounty hunter Joel and his adoptive daughter Ellie drew heavy influences from prestige TV shows, there was an obvious road map for bringing it to the screen.

From BBC

Related Words

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