dignity

[ dig-ni-tee ]

noun

, plural dig·ni·ties.

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

Just be a human being who wants to see people treated with dignity, and who wants to see each other in our full humanity.

From Salon

In the end, Republican senators were not forced to choose between their dignity and the president-elect’s wrath: With former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., withdrawing from consideration to serve as Donald Trump’s next attorney general, there is no longer a need to defend a man investigated for sex trafficking — no need to tell constituents that he didn’t know the woman he allegedly paid for sex was only 17 — or risk a late-night Truth Social rant from a 78-year-old.

From Salon

Less than a day after initially saying he wanted to "treat all persons with dignity and respect," he switched to attacking McBride by saying, "a man cannot become a woman."

From Salon

“We need a new approach to our digital interactions that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to safeguard their bodily data, an issue that speaks directly to human autonomy and dignity,” Keserű said.

From Los Angeles Times

Data from Ms Riley's smartwatch showed she had "fought for her life, fought for her dignity" only minutes after departing on her run, the trial heard.

From BBC

Related Words

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