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

For the law and politics graduate, who served his country and led a dignified, comfortable life until August 2021 when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, it is a humiliating situation to be in.

From BBC

He said the UK should instead fix its "broken and patchy palliative care system so everyone can have a dignified death".

From BBC

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government was "committed to ensuring everyone lives a dignified life".

From BBC

Aged 75, Susan Curtis would like to be living a comfortable and dignified life.

From BBC

Alex Salmond's funeral will be a "dignified and fitting" tribute to his life, says the minister who will lead the service later.

From BBC

Related Words

• exalt
• magnify