Word
dignified
Phoneticsdig·ni·fied, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɪɡnəˌfaɪd/
UK/dˈɪɡnɪfˌaɪd/
Definition
adj. behaving in a calm, serious, and respectful way that makes other people respect you. You use this to describe someone who stays controlled even in difficult situations.
adj. characterised by a composed, serious, and self-respecting manner that commands respect from others. Often used to describe a person's bearing or response to adversity.
Examples
“The retired judge maintained a dignified silence during the interview.”
“Despite the harsh criticism from the press, the athlete gave a dignified response that focused on her team's effort.”
“The ceremony was a dignified affair, marked by a somber respect for tradition and a total absence of the flashy displays common in modern celebrations.”
Examples
simple
“The retired judge maintained a dignified silence during the interview.”
contextual
“Despite the harsh criticism from the press, the athlete gave a dignified response that focused on her team's effort.”
complex
“The ceremony was a dignified affair, marked by a somber respect for tradition and a total absence of the flashy displays common in modern celebrations.”
Usage
Typically follows linking verbs like 'remain', 'stay', or 'look', or precedes nouns related to behavior and appearance.
Real-World Examples
“Bebe Sanders’ dignified, wounded Cordelia highlights the bravery of this character in the dramatic scheme.” “One of the key issues has become “the dignified management of the dead”, he says, as morgues and hospitals have filled up in some areas.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/dignified