dignified
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dignified
Explanation
Dignified means self-respecting and worthy. If you want to have a dignified memorial service, skip the karaoke machine and instead softly play the favorite music of the person you're remembering. Something that has dignity is honorable and worthy, so something that is dignified acts in an honorable, worthy way, showing great self-respect and respect for others. If someone handles a terrible public embarrassment gracefully and without breaking down, we might compliment her dignified manner. You might be too dignified to engage in screaming at the wrestling match, or too dignified to beg for a job even in hard times.
Vocabulary lists containing dignified
An "August" Assortment: Words Worthy of Honor
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Diary of Anne Frank," Vocabulary from the drama
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"Dignified grief goes down very well with the voters, especially when it is shared by the world's statesmen," he told his aides.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2025
“Discriminatory menstrual practices and perceptions have been practiced since the beginning of civilization,” says Radha Paudel, the founder of the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation in Nepal.
From National Geographic • Nov. 29, 2023
Dignified, stoic and unwavering, she rarely put a foot wrong in public.
From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2022
Known as The "Dignified Resignation," the monument has stood in front of the Galveston County Courthouse since 1911.
From Salon • May 20, 2022
"Much better. Dignified, yet not too stuffy. Now, if you'd said 'Robert speaking,' that would have been too much."
From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements
![]()
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.