cachet
cachet
Pronunciation
/kæˈʃeɪ/
kæ:
/k/ as in "cat" (voiceless velar stop)
/æ/ as in "cat" (near-open front unrounded vowel)
ˈʃeɪ:
/ˈ/ indicates the primary stress on this syllable
/ʃ/ as in "ship" (voiceless postalveolar fricative)
/eɪ/ as in "face" (diphthong)
Word Form Variations
"Cachet" itself is already a singular noun. It doesn't have a standard plural form in English. While you might conceptually think of multiple things possessing cachet, you wouldn't typically say "cachets." The word is used to describe a quality, not a countable object.
Therefore, there aren't really any standard word form variations like singular/plural for "cachet." It primarily exists as an uncountable noun.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A mark of distinction, prestige, or approval. It suggests an aura of exclusivity, high status, or inherent value.
Synonyms: prestige, distinction, status, eminence, renown, repute, glamour, allure, charisma, style, elegance, sophistication.
Antonyms: disrepute, dishonor, ignominy, infamy, commonness, ordinariness, mediocrity.
Example: The designer handbag carried a certain cachet that made it highly desirable.
Definition 2: A quality of being special or respected because of a connection to or use by important or famous people.
Synonyms: prestige, status, influence, importance, recognition, celebrity association.
Antonyms: anonymity, obscurity, insignificance, lack of recognition.
Example: The restaurant gained cachet after being frequented by several prominent celebrities.
Definition 3 (Less common, more historical): A seal or stamp of official approval. This definition is closer to the word's French origins.
Synonyms: seal, stamp, mark, endorsement, sanction, validation.
Antonyms: rejection, disapproval, invalidation.
Example: The document bore the cachet of the royal court. (This usage is less frequent in modern English.)
It's important to reiterate that "cachet" is almost exclusively used as a noun.
Examples of Use
Literature/Books:
"The name alone carried a certain cachet, hinting at a history of wealth and influence." (This is a fictional example demonstrating how "cachet" can be used to evoke a sense of prestige.)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The university's new science program has attracted significant funding, adding cachet to its reputation." (This example from a hypothetical news article shows how "cachet" is used in a context of institutional prestige.)
"Electric vehicles are gaining cachet among environmentally conscious consumers." (This example demonstrates the use of "cachet" in describing a trend and its associated social status.) (This is a common usage in news articles about trends and social status.)
Entertainment Mediums/Platforms:
"The film festival has earned a certain cachet for showcasing independent and avant-garde cinema." (This example could come from a film review or article discussing the festival's reputation.)
"The luxury brand's collaboration with the popular musician added cachet to its image." (This example illustrates how "cachet" is used in the context of marketing and branding within the entertainment industry.)
General Public Discourse:
"Owning a vintage Rolex watch carries a certain cachet." (This is a common example of how the term is used in everyday conversations about status symbols.)
"The artist's work has a certain cachet among collectors." (This example shows how "cachet" is used in discussions about art and its perceived value.)
"The neighborhood has recently gained cachet due to the opening of several trendy restaurants." (This example illustrates how "cachet" can be associated with locations and their perceived desirability.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Cachet
“True influence carries cachet earned through consistency, not spectacle.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said that humility has more cachet than any title.” (Unknown)
“History shows that empires chase cachet long after they lose purpose.” (Unknown)
“Style gains cachet when it reflects character, not trend.” (Unknown)
“A leader’s decisions hold cachet only when aligned with integrity.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions lose their cachet when comfort replaces conviction.” (Unknown)
“The poet wrote that a lover’s promise has no cachet without action.” (Unknown)
“Genius holds its cachet in execution, not proclamation.” (Unknown)
“Communities thrive when generosity—not status—carries the greatest cachet.” (Unknown)
“Even the simplest idea can gain cachet when pursued with passion.” (Unknown)
Etymology
"Cachet" comes to us from French. Its earliest meaning in French, around the 16th century, was a "seal" or "stamp." Think of it like a mark of official approval, something that validated a document or showed it was authentic. This meaning is still present, though less common, in English.
The French word "cachet" itself comes from the verb "cacher," which means "to hide" or "to conceal." Imagine the seal being "hidden" or kept safe until needed.
Over time, the meaning of "cachet" evolved. It moved away from just the physical seal and started to represent the quality that the seal implied. If something had the official seal, it had authority, prestige, and recognition. This is how "cachet" came to mean a mark of distinction, prestige, or approval. It's no longer about the literal stamp, but about the aura of importance and exclusivity that something possesses.
So, to put it all together:
French Origin: "Cachet" comes from the French word meaning "seal" or "stamp."
Root: This French word comes from the verb "cacher," meaning "to hide."
Original Meaning: A physical seal or stamp of approval.
Evolved Meaning: A mark of distinction, prestige, or approval; a quality of being special or respected.
It's this evolved meaning that we primarily use today. While the connection to the physical seal is still there historically, we now use "cachet" to describe the feeling of prestige and exclusivity, not the object itself.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Cachet
Phrases using "cachet":
"a certain cachet": This phrase is often used to emphasize the subtle but distinct nature of the prestige. Example: "The restaurant had a certain cachet that attracted a discerning clientele."
"add cachet to": This phrase describes the act of enhancing something's prestige. Example: "The celebrity endorsement added cachet to the brand."
"possess cachet": This simply states that something has the quality of prestige. Example: "The rare book possessed cachet among collectors."
"gain cachet": This describes the process of acquiring prestige. Example: "The artist gained cachet through their innovative work."
Phrases using synonyms (to convey a similar idea):
"a mark of distinction": This phrase captures the essence of "cachet." Example: "Winning the award was a mark of distinction."
"an air of exclusivity": This phrase highlights the aspect of limited access often associated with "cachet." Example: "The club had an air of exclusivity."
"a reputation for excellence": This phrase focuses on the quality that earns "cachet." Example: "The company had a reputation for excellence."
"in high standing": This phrase describes the position of someone or something with "cachet." Example: "The scientist was in high standing within the academic community."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of cachet from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
