dignity
[ dig-ni-tee ]
/ ˈdɪg nɪ ti /
noun, plural dig·ni·ties.
bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.
nobility or elevation of character; worthiness: dignity of sentiments.
elevated rank, office, station, etc.
relative standing; rank.
a sign or token of respect: an impertinent question unworthy of the dignity of an answer.
Archaic.
- person of high rank or title.
- such persons collectively.
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Origin of dignity
1175–1225; Middle English dignite < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin dignitās worthiness, equivalent to dign(us) worthy + -itās -ity
Words nearby dignity
diglycol, diglycolic acid, dignified, dignify, dignitary, dignity, digonal, digoneutic, digoxin, digram, digraph
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for dignity
British Dictionary definitions for dignity
dignity
/ (ˈdɪɡnɪtɪ) /
noun plural -ties
a formal, stately, or grave bearinghe entered with dignity
the state or quality of being worthy of honourthe dignity of manual labour
relative importance; rankhe is next in dignity to the mayor
sense of self-importance (often in the phrases stand (or be) on one's dignity, beneath one's dignity)
high rank, esp in government or the church
a person of high rank or such persons collectively
Word Origin for dignity
C13: from Old French dignite, from Latin dignitās merit, from dignus worthy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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