What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
renown
Example
The artist gained international renown for her unique style. [renown: noun]
Example
He is renowned for his contributions to the field of science. [renowned: adjective]
prestige
Example
The university has a lot of prestige in the academic community. [prestige: noun]
Example
She was offered a job at a prestigious law firm. [prestigious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prestige is more commonly used than renown in everyday language. Prestige is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while renown is less common and refers to a more specific type of recognition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between renown and prestige?
Both renown and prestige are often used in formal contexts, but prestige is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while renown is typically reserved for more formal or literary contexts.