dignity
gb/dˈɪɡnəti/ us/dˈɪɡnəti/
B2
English
~ 1700
méltóság, tartás, magas rangú tisztség
NOUN
B2
1
méltóság
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s dignity
She carried herself with dignity even in difficult times.
Még nehéz időkben is méltósággal viselte magát.
They fought for the dignity of all workers.
Minden dolgozó méltóságáért harcoltak.
Despite the insult, he refused to lose his dignity.
The new law aims to protect human dignity.
He accepted the award with quiet dignity.
Learner examples
She has great dignity.
Nagy méltóság van benne.
He lost his dignity when he lied.
Elvesztette a méltóságát, amikor hazudott.
We must respect the dignity of others.
The old man spoke with dignity.
She walked with dignity into the room.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'dignity' with 'pride'. While both involve self-respect, 'pride' can also mean arrogance, but 'dignity' is always positive in this sense.
Meaning
worthiness and respectability
Collocations
human dignity
|maintain dignity
|loss of dignity
|sense of dignity
|with dignity
Synonyms
respectability (Focuses more on social approval and moral standards.)
|
honor (Often implies recognition of moral integrity or achievements.)
Antonyms
disgrace (A loss of respect or honor due to shameful actions.)
|
humiliation (The feeling of having lost dignity due to embarrassment or shame.)
Themes
emotions
|social
|values
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The quality of being respected and valued.
The state or quality of being worthy of honor, respect, or esteem.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
with dignity
He handled the criticism with dignity.
Méltósággal fogadta a bírálatot.
She accepted the decision with dignity and grace.
Méltósággal és eleganciával fogadta el a döntést.
Even in defeat, the team showed dignity.
They left the ceremony with their dignity intact.
Learner examples
He spoke with dignity.
Méltósággal beszélt.
She walked away with dignity.
Méltósággal távozott.
They lost but kept their dignity.
He answered with dignity.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'dignity' here with 'formality'; while often formal, it is about self-respect in behavior, not just politeness.
Meaning
calm, serious self-control
Collocations
with dignity
|maintain dignity
|carry oneself with dignity
Synonyms
composure (Emphasizes calmness, especially under stress.)
|
poise (Implies graceful and confident bearing.)
Antonyms
loss of control (Opposite in that it shows lack of self-restraint and composure.)
|
self-abasement (Behaving in a way that lowers one's status or self-respect.)
Themes
behavior
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A calm and serious way of behaving that shows respect for yourself.
A composed and serious manner that shows self-respect and control over one's emotions.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
méltóság
C1
Usage pattern:
hold a dignity
He was elevated to the dignity of bishop.
Püspöki méltóságra emelték.
She holds one of the highest dignities in the land.
Az ország egyik legmagasabb méltóságát viseli.
Several church dignities attended the ceremony.
Learner examples
He got the dignity of mayor.
Polgármesteri tisztséget kapott.
She holds a high dignity in the church.
Magas méltóságot tölt be az egyházban.
The king gave him a new dignity.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'dignity' always means respectfulness; here it specifically refers to an official rank, often in formal contexts.
Meaning
high official rank or title
Collocations
high dignities
|church dignities
Synonyms
rank (General term for position in hierarchy.)
|
title (Specifically refers to the formal name of a position.)
Antonyms
lowly position (Refers to a job or role without status or prestige.)
Themes
government
|titles
|politics
|work
Definition
A high and important job or title in an organization or government.
An official position or title that carries high status or honor.
Grammar
Dictionary form
dignity
IPA
GB/dˈɪɡnəti/
US/dˈɪɡnəti/
Syllables & stress
dig - nity (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dig)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: dignity
- Plural: dignities, dignity
Word family
Expressions
human dignity
1/hjˈumən dˈɪɡnəti/
fixed phrase
formal
inherent worth of all people
The idea that every person should be valued and respected simply because they are human.
Examples
- Human dignity is a core principle of human rights.
- They worked to protect human dignity in all circumstances.
loss of dignity
1/lˈɔs əv dˈɪɡnəti/
fixed phrase
loss of self-respect or honor
When someone is no longer respected by themselves or others.
Examples
- The scandal led to his loss of dignity.
- He felt a loss of dignity after being insulted.
maintain dignity
1/meɪntˈeɪn dˈɪɡnəti/
fixed phrase
keep self-respect under pressure
To keep self-respect and calm behavior even when things are hard or embarrassing.
Examples
- She tried to maintain her dignity during the trial.
- Even after losing, he maintained his dignity.
with dignity
1/wˈɪθ dˈɪɡnəti/
fixed phrase
in a calm, respectful way
In a calm and respectful way that shows self-respect.
Examples
- She accepted the award with dignity.
- He faced his illness with dignity.