What term is defined as "the state of being held in high esteem"?

The term that is defined as "the state of being held in high esteem" is best represented by the word "prestige." Prestige refers to the respect and admiration that someone or something gets based on their achievements or quality. It encapsulates the idea of being regarded highly by others due to notable accomplishments or characteristics.

While "reputation," "honor," and "recognition" all relate to esteem in some way, they carry different nuances. Reputation typically refers to what is generally said or believed about someone's character or standing based on past actions, but it does not exclusively imply high esteem. Honor implies a certain moral virtue or acknowledgment of achievement but does not necessarily denote a high rank or standing alone. Recognition focuses more on the act of identifying or acknowledging someone for their contributions or achievements rather than the esteem associated with that acknowledgment.

Therefore, in the context of being held in high esteem, prestige is the most accurate term.