Words / C1

in-DIGN-uh-tee/ɪnˈdɪɡnəti/

An indignity is treatment that makes a person feel ashamed or undervalued: suffer the indignity, a petty indignity. Dignity (already in the dictionary) sits opposite; making a candidate wait in a stairwell is still a conditions note, not “atmosphere”.

Meaning

Treatment that makes someone feel ashamed or unimportant.

Examples

• “Cutting the night bus and calling it “character” is an indignity, not a caption.”
• “Leaving candidates in a stairwell is an indignity, not “atmosphere”.”
• “Humiliation is harsher. Slight is milder. Atmosphere is a story. A holding room on the plan is a duty. Open the room; keep atmosphere for the yearbook.”

Good to know

Shameful or belittling treatment. Opposite: dignity (already in the dictionary). A stairwell ≠ atmosphere.

Near in meaning

humiliation, slight

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