prestigio

prestige

noun prehs-TEE-hyoh Less Common

Origin: From French prestige, from Latin praestigium (illusion, conjuring trick) — the sense shifted from deception to admiration.

Usage Note

Prestigio carries a positive sense of earned reputation and standing. The adjective is prestigioso. Note the ironic etymology: the Latin root meant a conjurer's trick; today the word means the opposite — genuine, respected status.

Examples

"Esta universidad tiene mucho prestigio."

Natural Translation

This university has a lot of prestige.

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