dignity
gb/dˈɪɡnəti/ us/dˈɪɡnəti/
B2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
property
1
worthiness and respectability
The quality of being respected and valued.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s dignity
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.
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.)
Collocations
human dignity
|maintain dignity
|loss of dignity
|sense of dignity
|with dignity
Themes
emotions
|social
|values
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She carried herself with dignity even in difficult times.
- They fought for the dignity of all workers.
- 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.
- He lost his dignity when he lied.
- We must respect the dignity of others.
- The old man spoke with dignity.
- She walked with dignity into the room.
Noun
B2
property
2
calm, serious self-control
A calm and serious way of behaving that shows respect for yourself.
Usage pattern:
with dignity
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'dignity' here with 'formality'; while often formal, it is about self-respect in behavior, not just politeness.
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.)
Collocations
with dignity
|maintain dignity
|carry oneself with dignity
Themes
behavior
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He handled the criticism with dignity.
- She accepted the decision with dignity and grace.
- Even in defeat, the team showed dignity.
- They left the ceremony with their dignity intact.
Learner examples
- He spoke with dignity.
- She walked away with dignity.
- They lost but kept their dignity.
- He answered with dignity.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
3
high official rank or title
A high and important job or title in an organization or government.
Usage pattern:
hold a dignity
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'dignity' always means respectfulness; here it specifically refers to an official rank, often in formal contexts.
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.)
Collocations
high dignities
|church dignities
Themes
government
|titles
|politics
|work
Examples
- He was elevated to the dignity of bishop.
- She holds one of the highest dignities in the land.
- Several church dignities attended the ceremony.
Learner examples
- He got the dignity of mayor.
- She holds a high dignity in the church.
- The king gave him a new dignity.
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.