dignity

[dig-ni-tee]

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.

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

“I mean, his achievements on the field speak for themselves. But then, you know, we’ve also followed his, his philanthropic career … and he’s always represented the city and the team with class and dignity.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After thanking the jury, the judge referred to the "quiet dignity" Ms Whyte's family had shown throughout the "demanding" two-week trial.

Read more on BBC

Messrs. Morel and White remind us that in an age as fractured as their own, Lincoln and Douglass upheld dignity and compassion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the face of ideological challenges and pragmatic objections, both men insisted that the dignity of each individual person was sacred and inviolable, and that individual rights must prevail against states and ideologies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Finally, democracies must regulate AI to safeguard freedom and human dignity.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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