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.
  1. person of high rank or title.
  2. 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

Example sentences from the Web for dignities

British Dictionary definitions for dignities

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