succès d'estime

[ syk-se des-teem ]

noun

, French.

1. success won by reason of merit and critical respect rather than by popularity.

succès d'estime

/ syksɛ dɛstim /

noun

1. success, as of a book, play, etc, based on the appreciation of the critics rather than popular acclaim

Word History and Origins

Origin of succès d'estime¹

literally: success of esteem