dignity

noun

dig·​ni·​ty ˈdig-nə-tē How to pronounce dignity (audio)
plural dignities
1
: formal reserve or seriousness of manner, appearance, or language
2
: the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed
3
a
: high rank, office, or position
b
: a legal title of nobility or honor
4
archaic : dignitary

Examples of dignity in a Sentence

Jenny Daggers links feminist critiques and interreligious dialogue, arguing that our failure to treat people of other traditions with dignity matches in deed and rhetoric our inability to see that women are full and equal members of the community. Francis X. Clooney, Commonweal, 11 Sept. 2009
When King spoke about the racist past, he gloried in black people beating the odds to win equal rights by arming "ourselves with dignity and self-respect." Juan Williams, Wall Street Journal, 4 Apr. 2008
The period just after the Revolutionary War (1780-1820) was a time to project hard-won dignity, not show off. Federal interiors featured muted wall colors … and delicately carved or inlaid decoration. Kelly Beamon, This Old House, March 2008
Roger was beaming. His creased fat face literally shone with pleasure, which, for the sake of dignity, he struggled to contain. Alice Adams, The Story and Its Writer, 1987
Every speaker tries to create a love affair with his or her audience. But when the phenomenon called Maya Angelou takes the lectern at Pensacola (Florida) Junior College, she does not so much speak to the audience as "embrace" it. She sings, reads verse, thunders oratorically, even dances. Standing a majestic six feet tall and gifted with a resonant voice and … dignity, she is a poet, preacher, performer extraordinaire. Cheryl McCall, People, 8 Mar. 1982
She showed dignity in defeat. The ceremony was conducted with great dignity. Theirs is a country that cherishes freedom and human dignity.
Recent Examples on the Web For Black women living with HIV, these values are essential to their well-being and dignity. Larada Lee, Essence, 9 Mar. 2024 Riyad clings to a glimmer of optimism, praying for prosperity and dignity to illuminate those in Gaza. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Well, thanks to the strength of the labor market, more and more Americans from historically disadvantaged groups have been able to find some of that dignity and respect—and a regular paycheck. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2024 In contrast, the act of choosing one’s representative was an expression of dignity and respect. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Simple gestures can go a long way in preserving dignity and well-being. Andrew Rosen, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 This is about their lives and our shared human dignity. Amy Simonson, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 The resulting film — while largely morose, in spite of its occasional radiance — is a radically honest look at how unjust structures negotiate the value of bodies, and rob people of their dignity, even in death. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 Feb. 2024 There are no villains in ‘All Creatures’ — just everyday folk trying to get through the day with dignity with the help of a supportive community, family and friends. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dignity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dignete, from Anglo-French digneté, from Latin dignitat-, dignitas, from dignus

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignity was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near dignity

Cite this Entry

“Dignity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dignity

noun
dig·​ni·​ty ˈdig-nət-ē How to pronounce dignity (audio)
plural dignities
1
: the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or respected
2
: high rank, office, or position
3
: a look or way of behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control

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