dignify

verb

dig·​ni·​fy ˈdig-nə-ˌfī 

dignified; dignifying

transitive verb

1

: to give distinction to : ennoble

2

: to confer dignity upon

also : to give undue attention or status to

won't dignify that remark with a reply

Synonyms

• elevate
• promote

Examples of dignify in a Sentence

She felt that formal clothing would help dignify the occasion.

He said he wouldn't dignify his opponents' accusations by responding to them.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jericho, unswayed by the use of his first name, did not dignify this question with an answer. —Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025

The recognizing states will have to step up, too, by making their security guarantees concrete and by helping shape a Palestinian state that does not threaten its neighbors and dignifies its people by providing functioning institutions and proper services. —Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025

Carucci offers some possible avenues to dignify the worker and challenge them to make greater achievements. —Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025

Mid-century architecture taught us that a single detail, repeated with care, can dignify millions of lives. —Dr. Taha Kass-Hout, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dignifien, from Middle French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, from Latin dignus worthy — more at decent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dignify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

dignify

verb

dig·​ni·​fy ˈdig-nə-ˌfī 

dignified; dignifying

: to give dignity or importance to : honor