dignity

[ dig-ni-tee ]

noun

, plural dig·ni·ties.

1. bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.
2. nobility or elevation of character; worthiness:

   dignity of sentiments.

3. elevated rank, office, station, etc.
4. relative standing; rank.
5. a sign or token of respect:

   an impertinent question unworthy of the dignity of an answer.

6. Archaic.
   1. person of high rank or title.
   2. such persons collectively.

dignity

/ ˈdɪɡnɪtɪ /

noun

1. a formal, stately, or grave bearing

   he entered with dignity

2. the state or quality of being worthy of honour

   the dignity of manual labour

3. relative importance; rank

   he is next in dignity to the mayor

4. sense of self-importance (often in the phrases stand (or be ) on one's dignity, beneath one's dignity )
5. high rank, esp in government or the church
6. a person of high rank or such persons collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignity¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English dignite, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dignitās “worthiness,” from dign(us) “worthy” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignity¹

C13: from Old French dignite, from Latin dignitās merit, from dignus worthy

Example Sentences

Respect for women and the dignity of all Alaskans is our responsibility.

From ProPublica

Sometimes he takes money as he disappears, but mostly it seems like he’s after their dignity.

From Vox

What I know as a human being is that children should be treated with dignity and respect, no matter their nationality or the color of their skin.

From Fortune

Altogether, this means that treating others well requires an understanding about what gives them their dignity and what things they are ultimately trying to achieve.

From No Straight News

A Republican whose social group sees wearing a mask as shameful faces a dilemma of dignity.

From No Straight News

Yet she spoke of his dignity in such an insane situation and when she touched on his pain she expressed her own on his behalf.

From The Daily Beast

Pakistan was dancing for the U.S. dollar and joined up with it without any dignity.

From The Daily Beast

“You can cut my hair, you can bald me, you can strip me naked and take away my dignity,” she said.

From The Daily Beast

But what about terminally ill patients who live in states like New York, without a Death with Dignity law?

From The Daily Beast

And at $29.99, lighting up all sense of parental dignity and responsibility costs less than a carton of actual cigarettes.

From The Daily Beast

We shall recover again some or all of the steadfastness and dignity of the old religious life.

From Project Gutenberg

This alone could hinder the execution of his appointment, for in other things he has excellent qualifications for the dignity.

From Project Gutenberg

"It's not fair, Lucy," said Mrs. Haggard reprovingly, with an attempt at matronly dignity.

From Project Gutenberg

When d'Aubran entered, the Seneschal was composed and in his wonted habit of ponderous dignity.

From Project Gutenberg

But that is past; and I feel, that could birth give dignity, my ancestors of Nassau reigned in this very palace!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decency
• decorum
• grace
• grandeur
• greatness
• honor
• morality
• poise
• prestige
• quality
• respectability
• self-respect
• stature
• status
• virtue