Prestige
/prɛˈstiːʒ/noun
Widespread respect and admiration for someone or something, often based on status or reputation.
Did you know?Prestige comes through French from Latin *praestigiae*, meaning ‘illusions’ or ‘juggler’s tricks,’ and the related verb *praestigiare* meant ‘to delude or enchant,’ so its earliest history is literally about being fooled by clever magic.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
praestigiae
“illusions, tricks, or impostures”
Latin
Latin
praestigiare
“to delude, deceive, or perform sleight-of-hand”
Middle French
French
prestige
“illusion, trick, or deceptive charm”
16th Century
English
prestige
“an illusion or magical deception”
19th Century
English
prestige
“reputation, influence, or social standing”
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