highly prestigious

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly prestigious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has a high level of esteem or honor. For example, "The university was highly prestigious and well respected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was highly prestigious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

UN internships are highly prestigious and competitive.

The Guardian

It was highly prestigious, it was cutting-edge.

The Guardian

It's highly prestigious to have survived a risky experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Highly prestigious fellowships may demand more than one interview.

Cornell University

It was published in the highly prestigious journal Science, but that didn't save her.

The Guardian

"He deserves one and that has also always been a highly prestigious position," the official said.

The New York Times

In the year that Rowan Williams became archbishop, he delivered the highly prestigious Dimbleby Lecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

For highly prestigious properties, valuation measures such as price per square metre are only an approximation.

The Economist

He was named to the highly prestigious but essentially honorary position of astronomer royal in 1995.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have been shortlisted in three categories at this year's highly prestigious Webby Awards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly prestigious" to describe institutions, awards, or positions that are widely recognized for their excellence and importance. Ensure the context supports this level of esteem.

Common error

Avoid using "highly prestigious" in casual or informal settings where a simpler descriptor would suffice. Overusing the phrase can sound pretentious or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly prestigious" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It is used to attribute a high level of respect, honor, and importance to a noun. Ludwig AI examples showcase its common use in academic, professional and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly prestigious" is a commonly used adjective phrase that signals great respect and honor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and neutral contexts such as news, academia, and science. When seeking alternative expressions, consider "very distinguished" or "extremely reputable" to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. While powerful, it's best to avoid overusing "highly prestigious" in casual conversation, where simpler language is often more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very distinguished

Emphasizes exceptional achievement and recognition; focuses on the high level of respect earned.

extremely reputable

Focuses on the positive reputation and reliability associated with something.

eminently respected

Highlights the widespread respect and esteem held for something.

supremely honored

Emphasizes the great honor and privilege associated with something, often implying a formal recognition.

greatly esteemed

Focuses on the high value and appreciation placed on something.

world-renowned

Indicates global recognition and fame, often associated with exceptional quality or achievement.

top-tier

Suggests that something is among the best or most elite in its category.

elite

Highlights the exclusivity and high standards associated with something.

illustrious

Implies a long history of excellence and achievement, often associated with institutions or individuals.

celebrated

Focuses on the widespread public recognition and praise associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "highly prestigious" in a sentence?

You can use "highly prestigious" to describe something that is well-respected and admired. For example, "The university is known for its "highly prestigious" programs."

What are some alternatives to saying "highly prestigious"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "very distinguished", "extremely reputable", or "eminently respected".

Is it redundant to say "very highly prestigious"?

Yes, saying "very highly prestigious" is typically redundant. The word "highly" already intensifies "prestigious", so adding "very" doesn't add significant meaning and can sound awkward.

Can "highly prestigious" be used sarcastically?

While technically possible, using "highly prestigious" sarcastically is rare. The phrase carries a strong positive connotation, so sarcasm might not be immediately evident and could be misinterpreted.