dignity
Americannoun
plural
dignities-
bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.
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nobility or elevation of character; worthiness.
dignity of sentiments.
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elevated rank, office, station, etc.
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relative standing; rank.
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a sign or token of respect.
an impertinent question unworthy of the dignity of an answer.
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Archaic.
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person of high rank or title.
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such persons collectively.
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noun
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a formal, stately, or grave bearing
he entered with dignity
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the state or quality of being worthy of honour
the dignity of manual labour
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relative importance; rank
he is next in dignity to the mayor
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sense of self-importance (often in the phrases stand (or be ) on one's dignity, beneath one's dignity )
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high rank, esp in government or the church
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a person of high rank or such persons collectively
Etymology
Origin of dignity
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English dignite, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dignitās “worthiness,” from dign(us) “worthy” + -itās -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The memorial centres "visibly demonstrate what happens when the dignity of all human beings is not protected," they said in a joint statement.
From Barron's
He said that genuine compassion was about ensuring people receive the "medical, emotional, and spiritual support that recognises their dignity".
From BBC
"Assisted dying may not be coming to Scotland, but investing in hospice and palliative care must happen regardless: it is critical to ensure choice, dignity and compassion at the end of life."
From BBC
The bust of President Lincoln would bring great dignity to our library shelf.
From Literature
They claim that Risher breached the contract with the family by failing to professionally embalm Ramos’ remains and treat the body with the dignity and care required by California law.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
