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.
His leadership, focused on dignity and freedom for Iran, has earned the trust and respect of millions of Iranians.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described it as not just an item of clothing but a symbol of African identity, dignity, and heritage.
From BBC
The couple, living safely in the US, understand the desperation, but remain sceptical that such action could deliver what protesters ultimately want - not just regime change, but dignity, economic security and freedom.
From BBC
“George’s name has become a rallying cry for those who believe in a better future, one where all people are treated with dignity and respect,” it reads.
From Los Angeles Times
“He did not call the police, did not give Mr. Wilding the dignity of a proper burial, which he was entitled to as a human being,” Frimpong said.
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.
