prestige
prehs-TEEJ
Prestige (noun) means a widely admired reputation or status resulting from success, quality, or high standing. Example: “The university enjoys enormous prestige worldwide.”
noun
1
A widely admired reputation or status resulting from success, quality, or high standing.
"The university enjoys enormous prestige worldwide."
"Working for that firm carries a lot of prestige."
"Winning the award brought the small theatre a great deal of prestige."
How to use prestige
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA high level of respect and admiration that comes from status, achievement, or reputation.
Common pairings
gain prestige
prestige brand
social prestige
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Word forms
- Plural
- prestiges
- Third person singular
- prestiges
- Past tense
- prestiged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The university enjoys enormous _____ worldwide.
Etymology
From French prestige, originally meaning "illusion" or "trick," from Latin praestigium, "a delusion" — the sense shifted over time from "dazzling trick" to "impressive reputation."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for prestige
See all rhymes for prestige →Frequently asked questions
What does “prestige” mean?
The word “prestige” means a widely admired reputation or status resulting from success, quality, or high standing. In plain terms, a high level of respect and admiration that comes from status, achievement, or reputation.
How do you pronounce “prestige”?
“Prestige” is pronounced prehs-TEEJ (/pɹɛsˈtiːd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “prestige” in a sentence?
Here is “prestige” used in a sentence: “The university enjoys enormous prestige worldwide.”
What part of speech is “prestige”?
“Prestige” is a noun.
Where does the word “prestige” come from?
The word “prestige” comes from Latin. From French prestige, originally meaning "illusion" or "trick," from Latin praestigium, "a delusion" — the sense shifted over time from "dazzling trick" to "impressive reputation.".
Is “prestige” a common word?
“Prestige” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between prestige and status?
Prestige refers specifically to a widely admired reputation resulting from success, quality, or high standing, carrying a positive connotation of respect. Status is a more neutral term for someone's position or rank in a hierarchy, which does not necessarily imply admiration.
What gives something prestige?
Prestige typically comes from a track record of success, exceptional quality, or a long-standing high reputation, such as a university, brand, or profession known for excellence.
Is prestige always about wealth?
No, prestige is based on admired reputation or status, which can come from wealth but equally from achievement, expertise, quality, or tradition, without wealth being a requirement.
