indignant
in-DIG-nuhnt
/ɪnˈdɪɡ.nənt/
Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Strongly tied to a sense of injured justice, dignity, or honor. It is principled anger rather than blind hostility.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'in-' (not) and 'dignus' (worthy), the root gives us the concept of treating something as unworthy or improper. To be indignant is to react against something beneath acceptable standards of justice.
Word relationships
- resentful: Resentful implies lingering bitterness over a personal injury; indignant implies immediate outrage at injustice.
- acquiescent: Acquiescent means accepting without protest.
Commonly confused with
- indigent: Indigent means extremely poor, whereas indignant means feeling unfair anger.
Word family
- indignation (noun): Anger aroused by something unjust or mean.
- indignantly (adverb): In an indignant manner.
Collocations
- indignant response
- indignant denial
- deeply indignant
Idioms & expressions
- stand on high horse
Example sentences
- "Elizabeth felt herself growing indignant at the insinuations." Classic literature
- "The defense attorney raised an indignant objection to the prosecutor's misleading questions." Legal commentary
Memory hook
IN-DIG-NANT: IN (not) + DIGNITY. Anger when your dignity is not respected. Lacking respect for dignity causes indignation.
When not to use
Do not use for mere personal annoyance where no moral baseline or fairness is broken.
Fun facts
- Indignant shares its ultimate root 'dignus' with 'dignity', 'dignify', and 'condign'.
Related words
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