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Synonyms

dignified

American  
[dig-nuh-fahyd] / ˈdɪg nəˌfaɪd /

adjective

  1. characterized or marked by dignity of aspect or manner; stately; decorous.

    dignified conduct.

    Synonyms:
    noble, august, grave

dignified British  
/ ˈdɪɡnɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

  1. characterized by dignity of manner or appearance; stately

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of dignified

First recorded in 1660–70; dignify + -ed 2

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing dignified

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