Prestige Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prestige
[preหstiหส ]
Definitions
social status
Prestige refers to the respect and admiration that a person or organization earns based on their achievements, reputation, or influence in a particular field or society. It is often associated with power, success, and high social standing.
Synonyms
dignity, esteem, reputation, status.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prestige |
Used to describe respect and admiration felt for someone or something based on a perception of their achievements or quality. Often associated with institutional or social recognition.
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| status |
Typically describes one's social or professional position in relation to others. It's often linked with societal ranking or official standing.
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| reputation |
Refers to the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. It can be positive or negative, depending on past actions or behaviors.
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| esteem |
Describes the high regard or admiration one holds for someone else. It can be used in personal or professional contexts.
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| dignity |
Refers to a state or quality of being worthy of honor and respect. Often used in contexts where someone maintains self-respect and earns respect from others, especially in challenging situations.
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Examples of usage
- The company's prestige in the industry is unmatched.
- His family has a long history of prestige and influence.
- She was awarded a prestigious scholarship for her academic achievements.
to enhance reputation
To prestige means to enhance or increase the reputation or status of something or someone. It involves improving the perceived value or quality in order to gain more respect and admiration.
Synonyms
boost, elevate, enhance, upgrade.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prestige |
Use when referring to the respect and admiration derived from success or high status.
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| enhance |
Used when talking about improving the quality, value, or extent of something in a lasting way.
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| boost |
Appropriate for situations where an increase or improvement is needed quickly. It often implies a short-term or temporary improvement.
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| elevate |
Best used when talking about raising something to a higher position or level, more in a physical or metaphorical sense.
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| upgrade |
Commonly used in the context of improving something to a higher standard, often referring to technology, software, or services.
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Examples of usage
- The designer prestige the brand by collaborating with famous artists.
- He prestige himself by completing a challenging project successfully.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In modern film and literature, characters often pursue prestige, leading to dramatic plots about envy and ambition.
- Popular media, such as the series 'Mad Men', highlights the social significance of prestige in professional success and image.
- The concept is frequently explored in competition-based shows, emphasizing how prestige affects relationships and self-worth.
Psychology
- Research suggests that prestige influences motivation, with individuals often striving for recognition to boost self-esteem.
- In social dynamics, prestigious figures can shape group behavior and set trends that others follow.
- The desire for prestige can sometimes lead to unhealthy competition, affecting mental health negatively.
Education
- Prestigious educational institutions often shape future leaders by providing networks and opportunities that are highly sought after.
- The role of prestige in education can lead to biases in hiring practices, affecting diverse representation in workplaces.
- Graduate programs boasting high prestige tend to attract ambitious students and faculty, impacting innovation.
Business
- Brands with prestige often employ marketing strategies that highlight quality and exclusivity, appealing to high-status consumers.
- The principle of prestige pricing suggests that higher prices can enhance perception of quality in consumer goods.
- In industries such as fashion and technology, businesses rely on prestige to differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
Origin of 'prestige'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'praestigiae', meaning 'illusions' or 'deceptions', connecting to its sense of allure.
- First recorded usage in English dates back to the early 1600s, primarily associated with magic and illusion before evolving to a broader meaning.
- The transition from magical illusions to a measure of respect showcases how language evolves to reflect societal values.
The word 'prestige' originates from the Latin word 'praestigium', which means 'illusion' or 'sleight of hand'. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent respect and admiration earned through achievements or influence. The concept of prestige has been a significant aspect of human societies throughout history, playing a role in social hierarchies and power dynamics.