prestige

[ pre-steezh, -steej ]

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.

adjective

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

prestige

/ 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

Other Words From

• pres·tigeful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestige¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestige¹

C17: via French from Latin praestigiae feats of juggling, tricks; apparently related to Latin praestringere to bind tightly, blindfold, from prae before + stringere to draw tight, bind

Example Sentences

“And to have those conversations, as difficult as they may be ... And that’s what it’s about. Always. Not about the pomp and circumstance and prestige, but it’s about the work.”

From Los Angeles Times

It has been a commercial success too, which doesn’t hurt, particularly at a time when prestige films have struggled to entice grown-ups away from the comforts of home.

From Los Angeles Times

The long road back to prestige started at home, against a largely anonymous opponent.

From Los Angeles Times

We have seen over the last eight years how journalists for prestige publications have assiduously normalized Donald Trump.

From Salon

Commenters frequently referred to him as “judge” and one thanked him for his “legal brain,” leading the commission to believe he lent the prestige of his office as a judge to his cause, which is also against the ethical code.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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