Words / C1

pre-STEEZH/preˈstiːʒ/

Prestige is respect from status, quality, or success: the prestige of the board, a prestige brand. Prestigious (already in the dictionary) is the adjective; fame can be empty; respect is everyday and wider. Do not staff a fire door with letterhead prestige.

Meaning

Respect and admiration because of success, quality, or high status.

Examples

• “Prestige on the letterhead does not staff the fire door.”
• “Respect is everyday. Status is a cousin. Prestigious is already in this course. A famous logo is not a certificate. Rank in a league table is not a spare invigilator.”

Good to know

High standing; admired status. Adjective: prestigious (already in the dictionary). Everyday: respect. Letterhead ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

prestigious

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