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.

---

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

---

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

The incident also highlighted a broader challenge, the review said - "the need to balance accessibility for participants with the safety and dignity of others in the room and watching at home".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“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

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

Primarily a sculptor and printmaker, Catlett worked in the social realist tradition and her work often celebrates the dignity of Black and brown working people, especially women.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Nonetheless, throughout the ordeal, the suffragists had stayed calm and handled themselves with dignity.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

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