condignity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (technical/archaic)Highly formal, technical, theological, archaic
Quick answer
What does “condignity” mean?
In theology, merit (especially in Roman Catholic doctrine).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In theology, merit (especially in Roman Catholic doctrine); worthiness or desert proportionate to one's actions.
A deserved reward or punishment; appropriateness of a consequence in proportion to an action. More broadly, the quality of being justly deserved.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference. Usage is uniformly rare and confined to theological/philosophical contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly connotes theological/philosophical discourse, specifically scholasticism. Sounds archaic or highly academic.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in both dialects, with near-zero frequency in general corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “condignity” in a Sentence
the condignity of [merit/punishment]merit of condignitycondignity for [action]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condignity” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The theologian debated the concept of condign merit.
American English
- He faced condign punishment for his crimes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in theological or historical/philosophical texts discussing merit, grace, or scholastic thought.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Technical term in Catholic theology, often in debates about grace and human cooperation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “condignity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “condignity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condignity”
- Confusing it with 'congruity' (fittingness, not strict desert).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'dignity'.
- Attempting to use it in modern, non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In theology, 'condignity' refers to merit that is strictly deserved in justice, while 'congruity' refers to merit that is fitting or appropriate but not strictly owed.
No, it is an archaic, highly technical term. Using it would likely cause confusion. Use 'just deserts', 'merit', or 'deserved reward/punishment' instead.
Yes. 'Condign' (adjective) means 'deserved, appropriate, notably for punishment'. 'Condignity' is the noun form expressing the quality or principle of being condign.
Its meaning is very niche, pertaining to a specific theological distinction. Broader language has adopted simpler, more common synonyms like 'desert' or 'merit' for general use.
In theology, merit (especially in Roman Catholic doctrine).
Condignity is usually highly formal, technical, theological, archaic in register.
Condignity: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdɪɡnɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdɪɡnəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[rare] meet with condignity (to receive just deserts)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONdignity is about what you CONtributed – it's the merit you CONtributed through your own actions.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE AS A BALANCING SCALE (merit must be weighed and proportionately rewarded).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'condignity' primarily used?