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

The magazine’s mission was to shine a light on the disease to humanize and restore dignity to its sufferers.

Read more on Salon

“Look, it’s an interesting time in my country, but most people, right and left, want the same. They want a job with dignity, health for themselves and their family,” he said.

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Across his life, Minelli campaigned passionately for the right to die, giving Dignitas the slogan "dignity in life, dignity in death".

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Home and community-based services allow older adults and people with disabilities to remain connected to their communities and live independently with dignity.

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Jo Ramsay, chairwoman of the alliance, said: "Your support helps us provide not just food, but hope, dignity and a lifeline to those facing hardship in our communities."

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Related Words

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