dignify

American  

[dig-nuh-fahy] / ˈdɪg nəˌfaɪ /

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.

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dignify British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of dignify

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

Example Sentences

He says the staff come in to work around the clock to care for patients in the most dignified and respectful way they can.

From BBC

The surrounding Westlake neighborhood, one of the densest immigrant communities in the United States, deserves quality public amenities and dignified treatment.

From Los Angeles Times

The tribunal concluded "real accountability" for Rose's presence in the changing room was down to NHS managers who had given Rose permission to be there and not offered a suitable, dignified alternative.

From BBC

Monarchical trappings dignified Napoleon Bonaparte’s power grab and still dignify the Inauguration Days of American presidents.

From The Wall Street Journal

As in Samuel Beckett’s tragicomic theater and novels, Tarr’s movies, by turns funny and heartbreaking, dignify human struggle with an uncommon tenacity of vision and empathy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exalt
• magnify