dignity
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect.
A calm, serious, and controlled manner or style that commands respect; the inherent right to be valued and treated with respect.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often describes an inherent quality of a person, but can also be applied to abstract entities (e.g., 'the dignity of labour'). It can be lost ('lose one's dignity') or maintained ('retain one's dignity'). Frequently associated with composure under pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept is used identically.
Connotations
Commonly associated with formal institutions (monarchy, courts) in UK contexts. In US contexts, often linked to individual rights and humanistic philosophy.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English, particularly in political and institutional discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have the dignity to + INF (She had the dignity to resign quietly.)treat + OBJ + with dignitybeneath + POSS + dignitystand on + POSS + dignityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pocket one's dignity”
- “Beneath one's dignity”
- “Stand on one's dignity”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussed in corporate ethics regarding 'dignity at work' or treating employees with dignity.
Academic
Central in philosophy (human dignity as a moral concept), law, bioethics, and political theory.
Everyday
Used to describe how someone behaves (e.g., 'She faced the news with dignity') or as a basic right.
Technical
Used in legal texts (e.g., 'dignity of the court'), medical ethics ('death with dignity'), and human rights law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ceremony was dignified by the presence of the Queen.
- They sought to dignify the occasion with a moment of silence.
American English
- His quiet response dignified the otherwise chaotic debate.
- We should dignify their efforts with proper recognition.
adverb
British English
- She accepted the criticism dignifiedly, without complaint.
- He walked dignifiedly from the room.
American English
- He resigned dignifiedly, wishing his successor well.
- The team lost dignifiedly, congratulating the winners.
adjective
British English
- He maintained a dignified silence throughout the ordeal.
- It was a dignified and moving service.
American English
- She made a dignified exit from the company.
- They sought a dignified solution to the conflict.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Everyone should be treated with dignity.
- She is a person of great dignity.
- The old man lived his final days with quiet dignity.
- He felt the job was beneath his dignity.
- Prisoners have a fundamental right to be treated with human dignity.
- She managed to retain her dignity despite the public scandal.
- The debate centred on the conflict between security measures and individual dignity.
- His imperturbable dignity in the face of such vitriol was remarkable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DIGnified person sitting on a royal NITY (like a 'city' of honour).
Conceptual Metaphor
DIGNITY IS AN OBJECT OF VALUE (to possess, lose, protect). DIGNITY IS HEIGHT/STATURE (high office, beneath someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'достоинство' when it means 'merit' or 'advantage'. The primary link is to 'достоинство' as self-worth and honour. 'Честь' (honour) is related but more external.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dignity' to mean 'pride' in a negative sense (e.g., 'His dignity prevented him from apologising' is okay, but 'He was full of dignity' could be misconstrued). Confusing 'dignity' (inherent worth) with 'prestige' (high status).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'dignity' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pride can be positive (self-respect) or negative (arrogance). Dignity is almost exclusively positive, referring to inherent worth and composed, respectable behaviour.
Not exactly. Dignity is often considered inherent. You can 'treat someone with dignity' or 'allow them to die with dignity', but you do not bestow the quality itself.
A dignitary is a person holding a high rank or office, someone considered to be worthy of dignity and respect due to their position (e.g., a diplomat, a mayor).
Dignity is the inherent quality of being worthy of respect. Respect is the feeling or action of admiration or deference shown towards someone or something that possesses dignity or other valued qualities.
Collections
Part of a collection
Philosophy and Ethics
C1 · 50 words · Philosophical concepts and ethical reasoning.