dignify

[ dig-nuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, dig·ni·fied, dig·ni·fy·ing.

1. to confer honor or dignity upon; honor; ennoble.
2. to give a high-sounding title or name to; confer unmerited distinction upon:

   to dignify pedantry by calling it scholarship.

dignify

/ ˈdɪɡnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to invest with honour or dignity; ennoble
2. to add distinction to

   the meeting was dignified by the minister

3. to add a semblance of dignity to, esp by the use of a pretentious name or title

   she dignifies every plant with its Latin name

Other Words From

• over·digni·fy verb (used with object) overdignified overdignifying
• quasi-digni·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignify¹

1375–1425; late Middle English dignifien < Old French dignefier < Medieval Latin dignificāre, equivalent to Latin dign ( us ) worthy + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignify¹

C15: from Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificāre, from Latin dignus worthy + facere to make

Example Sentences

New York Rep. Mike Lawler said Greene’s belief “doesn’t dignify a response,” while Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon observed that “I think enough has already been said. I ignore her.”

From Slate

When the question was asked, Brendon McCullum did not dignify it with a response.

From BBC

She installed five giant tractor tires there, each engraved with pre-Hispanic symbols that merge with interlocking patterns and images of Maya gods to help “dignify the memories of migrants.”

From Los Angeles Times

When a reporter asked him to weigh in on the Alitos’ flag, McConnell snapped, “I’m not going to dignify that with a response.”

From Seattle Times

I would not dignify that question with a reply.

From Literature

Related Words

• exalt
• magnify