Prestigious describes something that earns great respect and admiration because of its excellence, history, or high standards. A prestigious university like Harvard or Oxford is famous for accepting only exceptional students and providing outstanding education. A prestigious award like the Nobel Prize carries weight because winners have achieved something truly remarkable.

The word suggests recognition based on extraordinary quality and achievement. A prestigious symphony orchestra is recognized for extraordinary talent and achievement, standing out among music groups for its excellence. When someone attends a prestigious school or works for a prestigious company, others recognize they've reached a high level of accomplishment.

Prestige comes from consistently meeting very high standards over time. A restaurant might become prestigious after decades of serving excellent food. A science journal becomes prestigious when the best researchers compete to publish their work in it.

You might hear someone say they landed a prestigious internship or won a prestigious scholarship. This means the opportunity is highly selective and respected. The word carries a sense of honor and achievement: prestigious positions, schools, and awards represent something worth working hard to attain.