often attributive
1
: standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion
2
: commanding position in people's minds
Choose the Right Synonym for prestige
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 SentenceHer career as a diplomat has brought her enormous prestige. The job has low pay and low prestige. The family has wealth and social prestige.
Word HistoryEtymology
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of prestige was in 1829 Cite this Entry“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prestige. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on prestige Last Updated: 2 May 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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