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REFERENCE

dignity

n.
US //ˈdɪɡnəti// UK //dˈɪɡnɪti// dig·ni·ty
  1. 1 self-respect and worth (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being worthy of respect, or the right to be treated with respect.

    the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect; an inherent right to be treated ethically.

    Example

    The charity works to protect the dignity of people living in poverty.

    Example

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
  2. 2 calm behavior (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a calm and serious way of behaving that makes you look in control.

    a composed or serious manner or style; decorum and stateliness in conduct.

    Example

    She kept her dignity even when she was being treated unfairly.

    Example

    Despite the aggressive questioning from the press, the minister maintained her dignity and refused to be drawn into a shouting match.
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  1. 3 high rank (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a high position or rank in society or an organization.

    a high office, rank, or station in a social or professional hierarchy.

    Example

    He was promoted to the dignity of a cardinal.

    Example

    The historical documents detail the various dignities and titles bestowed upon the family during the seventeenth century.
  2. 4 a person of high rank (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Formal

    a person who holds a very high or important position.

    a person who holds a high rank or office; a dignitary.

    Example

    The king was surrounded by the various dignities of the court.

    Example

    The procession was led by the local dignities, each wearing the traditional robes of their respective offices.
Origin

Inherited from Middle English dignyte, from Old French dignité, from Latin dignitās (“worthiness, merit, dignity, grandeur, authority, rank, office”), from dignus (“worthy, appropriate”), from Proto-Italic degnos, from Proto-Indo-European dḱ-nos, from *deḱ- (“to take”). See also decus (“honor, esteem”) and decet (“it is fitting”). Cognate to deign. Doublet of dainty. In this sense, displaced native Old English weorþsċipe, which became Modern English worship.

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