dignity

American  

[dig-ni-tee] / ˈdɪg nɪ ti /

noun

plural

dignities

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.

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dignity British  

/ 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

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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

Explanation

If someone has dignity, it means they are worthy of respect. If you really want the lead role in a play and you try to bribe the director to give it to you, she might say, “Have you no dignity?” Someone with dignity carries herself well. If you lose an election, and you say nasty things about your opponent and try to undermine her, you are acting without dignity. But if you graciously congratulate her and accept the results, then you are behaving in a dignified manner. We also talk about human dignity, which is an idea of what separates humans from animals. Human Rights activists believe that everyone has the right to live with dignity.

Example Sentences

“We cannot cure our patients,” as the group’s founder explained their mission, “but we can assure the dignity and value of their final days and keep them comfortable and free of pain.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“There is something especially appalling about stealing from the dead. During a time when dignity and respect should be absolute, Mr. Muñoz chose greed,” Los Angeles County Dist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

He said he also wanted to "recognise the dignity" they had shown throughout.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Lai, like Tsai, has pledged to maintain the status quo with China, and has expressed a willingness to communicate with Beijing if there was "parity and dignity".

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

He dropped it at my feet, gave me a soulful glance and with great, quiet dignity sauntered away.

From "Bunnicula" by Deborah Howe and James Howe

Related Words

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