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

“To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” Illinois Gov. J.B.

From Salon

However, it also reveals his lack of dignity.

From Salon

Indeed, Jefferson deemed the African-American poet Phillis Wheatley’s work “beneath the dignity of criticism” and asserted that Black astronomer Benjamin Banneker possessed only “a mind of very common stature.”

From Salon

These include the prime minister himself, who in 2018 - before he became Labour leader - said then-president Trump's policy of separating migrant families in detention showed he did not understand "humanity and dignity".

From BBC

Yet they also concluded that slavery was morally wrong and that a Southern slaveocracy's secession and success would cripple the republic, not to mention their own dignity.

From Salon

Related Words

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