Dignity
/ˈdɪɡnəti/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect; a sense of self-respect and pride.
/ˈdɪɡnəti/
A sense of self-respect and worthiness.
The elderly woman carried herself with quiet dignity.
💡 Simply: It's like holding your head high and acting with grace, even when things get tough. It's about respecting yourself and showing respect to others.
👶 For kids: Being proud of yourself and acting nicely, even when someone is mean.
More Examples
The company's efforts were meant to restore the dignity of the workers.
He faced his challenges with a sense of personal dignity.
Losing his job hurt his dignity.
How It's Used
"She maintained her dignity despite the rude comments."
"The ambassador conducted himself with dignity at the summit."
"The character was stripped of their dignity by the betrayal."
A formal or stately manner or style.
/ˈdɪɡnəti/
Formal or stately bearing or manner.
The ceremony was conducted with great dignity.
💡 Simply: It's when someone moves or acts in a really formal and important way, like they're in a special ceremony.
👶 For kids: Acting in a fancy way, like you're a king or queen.
More Examples
Her dignified presence commanded respect.
He bore his illness with impressive dignity.
The dancer performed with effortless dignity and grace.
How It's Used
"The judge presided over the proceedings with solemn dignity."
"The performance was characterized by grace and dignity."
A position of respect, honor, or esteem.
/ˈdɪɡnəti/
A position of honor or respect.
He rose to a position of considerable dignity within the firm.
💡 Simply: It's like having a really important job or role that people look up to. You have a special status that demands respect.
👶 For kids: Being someone important, like a leader or a boss, who deserves respect.
More Examples
The role carried with it all the dignity of a long and prestigious tradition.
The headmaster's dignity in the face of the scandal was admirable.
She was stripped of her dignity and her office.
How It's Used
"He held the dignity of a senator."
"The Pope holds the highest dignity in the Catholic Church."
Idioms & expressions
lose one's dignity
To behave in a way that makes one lose self-respect or the respect of others.
"He lost his dignity when he started begging for money."
in dignity
In a way that shows respect and honor.
"She carried herself in dignity as she received the award."
From Latin *dignitas* ('worthiness, merit, importance'), derived from *dignus* ('worthy'). The word has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to high rank or social standing.
The concept of dignity has been debated throughout history, from ancient philosophy to modern human rights. It often relates to ideas about what it means to be human and the inherent worth of individuals.
Memory tip
Think of a queen or king. They often carry themselves with dignity and pride.
Word Origin
"worthiness, merit, importance"