Words / C1

DIGN-uh-tee/ˈdɪɡnəti/

Dignity is calm self-respect, and the right to be treated as a person of worth: leave with dignity, treat patients with dignity. Pride can be vain; dignity need not show off. Respect is related but can be for status. Indignity is humiliating treatment. Do not use dignity as a synonym of luxury (“a hotel of great dignity”) unless you mean gravitas of manner.

Meaning

Calm, serious self-respect; the right to be treated as a person of worth.

Examples

• “He left the job with his dignity intact.”
• “He answered the accusation with dignity and a date, not with a shout.”
• “Care homes talk about dignity in washing and meals, which is worth, not etiquette class.”

Good to know

Self-respect / being treated as worthy. Contrast: pride (can be vain). Humiliation: indignity. Not a fancy word for luxury.

Near in meaning

self-respect

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