dignity

noun

DIG-ni-tee/ˈdɪɡnɪti/

Pluraldignities (some meanings)

5 meanings of dignity

1
noununcountable
The quality of being worthy of respect because of how you act or think.
Like standing tall and calm even when things go wrong.
She faced the bad news with calm and dignity.
Treating every person with dignity matters in our school.
Similarself-respect, pride, honor, nobility, self-esteem
Oppositehumiliation, indignity, disgrace
Note
2
noununcountable
Calm, serious behavior that fits a formal or important occasion.
Like behaving calmly and politely at an important event.
The wedding was carried out with quiet dignity and grace.
She handled the formal dinner with dignity.
Similardecorum, gravity, solemnity, stateliness, grace
Note
3
nouncountable
A high position or rank, such as an important job or title.
Like being given an important title or a top job.
He was raised to the dignity of bishop.
The king gave her the dignity of a duchess.
Similarrank, office, position, station, title
Note
4
nouncountable
An important person who holds a high rank.
A dignity of the realm addressed the assembled crowd.
The visiting dignities were seated near the altar.
Similardignitary, notable, personage
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Less common meaning

5
nounobsoletecountable
A basic rule or truth that needs no proof.
Sciences concluding from dignities, and principles known by themselves.
1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia EpidemicaHere, dignities means basic rules or truths that need no proof.
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin "dignitas" meaning worthiness or rank, from "dignus" meaning worthy. It reached English through Old French.