dignity
[ dig-ni-tee ]
/ ˈdɪg nɪ ti /
noun, plural dig·ni·ties.
bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.
nobility or elevation of character; worthiness: dignity of sentiments.
elevated rank, office, station, etc.
relative standing; rank.
a sign or token of respect: an impertinent question unworthy of the dignity of an answer.
Archaic.
- person of high rank or title.
- such persons collectively.
Origin of dignity
1175–1225; Middle English
dignite < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin
dignitās worthiness, equivalent to
dign(us) worthy +
-itās
-ity
Words nearby dignity
diglycol,
diglycolic acid,
dignified,
dignify,
dignitary,
dignity,
digonal,
digoneutic,
digoxin,
digram,
digraph
Example sentences from the Web for dignity
British Dictionary definitions for dignity
dignity
/ (ˈdɪɡnɪtɪ) /
noun plural -ties
a formal, stately, or grave bearing
he entered with dignity
the state or quality of being worthy of honour
the dignity of manual labour
relative importance; rank
he is next in dignity to the mayor
sense of self-importance (often in the phrases stand (or be) on one's dignity, beneath one's dignity)
high rank, esp in government or the church
a person of high rank or such persons collectively
Word Origin for dignity
C13: from Old French
dignite, from Latin
dignitās merit, from
dignus worthy