dignify

[dig-nuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

dignified, dignifying 

1. to confer honor or dignity upon; honor; ennoble.

2. to give a high-sounding title or name to; confer unmerited distinction upon.

   to dignify pedantry by calling it scholarship.

dignify

/ ˈdɪɡnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to invest with honour or dignity; ennoble

2. to add distinction to

   the meeting was dignified by the minister

3. to add a semblance of dignity to, esp by the use of a pretentious name or title

   she dignifies every plant with its Latin name

Other Word Forms

• overdignify verb (used with object)
• quasi-dignifying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignify¹

1375–1425; late Middle English dignifien < Old French dignefier < Medieval Latin dignificāre, equivalent to Latin dign ( us ) worthy + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignify¹

C15: from Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificāre, from Latin dignus worthy + facere to make

Example Sentences

He said "everyone was calm and dignified" and people "used an element of humour" to keep going.

From BBC

A spokesperson for Khan told the BBC: "We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response."

From BBC

Thomas represented her muses in poses that were dignified, glamorous, sensuous and exuberant, employing everything from acrylic paint to glitter and rhinestones to neon lights.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are determined that any consultation with staff members will be fair, dignified, confidential and in accordance with the best practices within human resources."

From BBC

Her campaign slogan is a call to "build a new nation" within "a sovereign, dignified, and prosperous Africa."

From BBC

Related Words

• exalt 
• magnify