cachet

Q: What is the difference between 'cache' and 'cachet'?

Although the two words come from the same root (the French cacher , meaning "to press, hide"), cache and cachet have different meanings . Cache primarily refers to a thing that is hidden or stored somewhere, or to the place where it is hidden. It has recently taken on another common meaning, "short-term computer memory where information is stored for easy retrieval." Cachet usually means "prestige" or "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige."

Q: What is the difference between 'cachet' and 'prestige'?

Several of the senses of cachet are similar, or synonymous with prestige ; among its definitions are "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige," "an indication of approval carrying great prestige," and "prestige." However, cachet does have additional meanings which share little of their meaning with prestige , including "a medicinal preparation for swallowing," and "a seal used especially as a mark of official approval."

Q: How do you pronounce 'cachet'?

Cache and cash are pronounced the same, but cachet is pronounced \cash-AY. Cachet and cache share the same origin, the French cacher "to press, hide"; cash , however, comes from a different root, the Latin word for "chest" ( capsa ).

noun

ca·chet ka-ˈshā

Synonyms of cachet next

: a seal used especially as a mark of official approval

: an indication of approval carrying great prestige

The president placed his cachet on the project.

: a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige

regarded the possession of real estate as a cachet of respectability

: prestige

being rich … doesn't have the cachet it used to—

Truman Capote

: a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste enclosing a medicine

: a design or inscription on an envelope to commemorate a postal or philatelic event

: an advertisement forming part of a postage meter impression

: a motto or slogan included in a postal cancellation (see cancellation sense 3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cache and cachet?

Although the two words come from the same root (the French cacher, meaning "to press, hide"), cache and cachet have different meanings. Cache primarily refers to a thing that is hidden or stored somewhere, or to the place where it is hidden. It has recently taken on another common meaning, "short-term computer memory where information is stored for easy retrieval." Cachet usually means "prestige" or "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige."

What is the difference between cachet and prestige?

Several of the senses of cachet are similar, or synonymous with prestige; among its definitions are "a characteristic feature or quality conferring prestige," "an indication of approval carrying great prestige," and "prestige." However, cachet does have additional meanings which share little of their meaning with prestige, including "a medicinal preparation for swallowing," and "a seal used especially as a mark of official approval."

How do you pronounce cachet?

Cache and cash are pronounced the same, but cachet is pronounced \cash-AY. Cachet and cache share the same origin, the French cacher "to press, hide"; cash, however, comes from a different root, the Latin word for "chest" (capsa).

Examples of cachet in a Sentence

a movie director with great artistic cachet His research in Antarctica gave him a certain cachet among other scientists.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Trump promoted the building and filled it with tenants, many of whom were drawn by the cachet of a Wall Street address and the landlord’s image as a winner. —

Paula Aceves, Curbed, 31 Oct. 2024 Lejeune, for instance, is deeply concerned with the optics of accepting refugees, and wants to ensure the most welcoming atmosphere, if only to retain political cachet. —

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024 The center-right National Party reversed the progressive policies implemented by Ardern’s Labour government that earned the country significant social cachet among liberals around the world. —

Dylan Butts, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2024 Dive watches are now decked out in diamonds and gold, infusing them with a cachet that rivals the classic dress watch. —

Carol Besler, Robb Report, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for cachet

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "small seal with a coat of arms and initials engraved or in relief used to seal documents, a document so sealed, mark of approval, distinctive character," going back to Middle French, from cacher "to press" + -et -et entry 1 (here as a suffix of instrument) — more at cache entry 1

Note: See note at cache entry 1.

First Known Use

circa 1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of cachet was circa 1639

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cachet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cachet. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

cachet

noun

ca·chet ka-ˈshā

: a medicinal preparation for swallowing consisting of a case usually of rice-flour paste containing an unpleasant-tasting medicine

called also wafer, wafer capsule

Last Updated: 28 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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cachet

noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Examples of cachet in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Medical Definition