prestige

noun, pres·tige often attributive \pre-ˈstēzh, -ˈstēj\

: the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important

Full Definition of PRESTIGE

: standing or estimation in the eyes of people : weight or credit in general opinion

: commanding position in people's minds

— pres·tige·ful \-fəl\ adjective

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Origin of PRESTIGE

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

Synonym Discussion of PRESTIGE

influence, authority, prestige, weight, credit mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others. influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously <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>.