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

On Tuesday, Mr Zodi questioned why civilians were still being exposed to such insecurity, and urged the government to prioritise the safety and dignity of citizens.

From BBC

"It is painful to watch, especially knowing that even educated youth are forced to leave the country because wages here are far below what one needs to live with dignity," she said.

From BBC

"Our children deserve better than perpetual crisis; they deserve strategic planning, adequate resources and the dignity of advance preparation."

From BBC

Referring to one of Kirk's podcast episodes where he called for a ban on gender care, Helfgott said: "This was more than political theatre. It was a dangerous, real-world assault on LGBTQ+ safety and dignity."

From BBC

It said in July that all remains were handled with "utmost professionalism" and dignity.

From BBC

Related Words

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