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

True generosity, he taught, restores dignity and agency rather than diminishing it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Or maybe she has more in common with Usha Vance, who mercenarily shelved her ambitions and her dignity to back her husband.

Read more on Salon

"Our only consideration is ensuring this guidance protects the dignity and wellbeing of everyone in society," the source added.

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An ex-footballer with dementia who died after falling from a height had been "chemically coshed, deprived of his liberty, abused and bruised... stripped of his dignity" while in NHS care, his family said.

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"For us, the migratory phenomenon is not only a question of moral principles, solidarity and dignity, but also one of rationality," the prime minister said.

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Related Words

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