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 allegory is a tad thick: Humanity rots inside the gates, dignity stands tall outside.

From Los Angeles Times

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Duchess of Kent brought "compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did".

From BBC

Judge Simon Mayo KC paid tribute to the "remarkable dignity and composure" of Mr Lucima's family, who sat through the five-month trial.

From BBC

Just over a century later, Teddy Roosevelt said of the vice presidency, “I certainly do not want to hold a position of titular dignity and of no earthly practical importance for four years.”

From Salon

She will be remembered for that hug with Novotná, her dignity and quiet compassion, and as a reluctant royal, who eventually decided that her true path lay in teaching children to love music.

From BBC

Related Words

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