威信

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 威信(いしん) is a noun for prestige grounded in recognized dignity and trust.
• Basic usage: It appears in relatively formal discussions of the public authority or standing of an organization, nation, or similar body.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 揺らぐ and 懸ける
  • 威信が揺らぐ describes prestige becoming unstable; 威信を懸ける means staking one's prestige on an outcome. The former focuses on a weakening assessment, the latter on the commitment of those involved.
• Compared with 信用
  • 信用(しんよう) centers on whether someone or something can be trusted. 威信 also highlights socially recognized dignity or authority alongside that trust.