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

"My last chance to defend myself, to stand up for my rights, my dignity, and to prevent such acts of violence in sports is to seek justice in court."

From BBC

Here, with support and dignity, some choose to end their lives by taking prescribed medication, highlighting the deeply personal, and often tender, process of dying.

From BBC

She said the government was not interested in "so-called culture wars" and believed that everybody should have "their dignity and privacy and their rights respected".

From BBC

He was clear that trans people are a "vulnerable and often harassed minority", who "struggle against discrimination and prejudice as they seek to live their lives with dignity".

From BBC

Might as well not give up your dignity along with it.

From Salon

Related Words

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