dignity /ˈdɪɡnəti/

(American: /ˈdɪɡnədi/)

Origin

From Latin "dignitas" meaning worthiness, derived from "dignus" meaning worthy

Meanings

1. The quality of being worthy of honor or respect

   • "She carried herself with quiet dignity despite the criticism."
   • "The elderly man maintained his dignity throughout his illness."

2. A high rank, position, or honor

   • "He was elevated to the dignity of bishop."
   • "The ceremony was conducted with proper dignity."

3. A composed and serious manner or style

   • "He handled the difficult situation with dignity and grace."
   • "The building's classical architecture lends it an air of dignity."

Word Forms

• Adjective: dignified
• Adverb: dignifiedly
• Verb: dignify

Synonyms

• honor
• nobility
• grace
• stateliness
• prestige
• self-respect
• poise

Related Words

• indignity (opposite)
• undignified (opposite)
• dignitary (person of high rank)

Memory Tricks

1. Think "DIG(worthy) + UNITY" - being worthy brings unity and respect
2. Remember the phrase "Dignity is not negotiable" to emphasize its fundamental importance
3. Associate with the image of someone standing tall with good posture, which represents dignity

Usage Notes

• Often paired with words like "grace," "honor," and "respect"
• Frequently used in phrases like "human dignity," "sense of dignity," "preserve one's dignity"
• Can be "maintained," "preserved," or "lost"