Dignity
DIG-ni-tee
/ˈdɪɡnɪti/
The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect; a sense of pride in oneself.
Refers to an inherent worthiness and respect that all individuals possess, or a composed and serious manner that conveys this self-respect. It's often violated by humiliation or disrespectful treatment.
The story behind the word. The word 'dignity' comes from the Latin 'dignitas,' meaning 'worthiness, merit, or prestige.' This is derived from 'dignus,' meaning 'worthy.' It entered English through Old French, carrying the sense of inherent worth and respect that a person possesses, or a noble and serious bearing.
Word relationships
- self-respect: Respect for oneself, often a component of dignity.
- honor: High respect; esteem. Can be external recognition.
- worthiness: The quality of being good enough for something.
- humiliation: The action of humiliating someone or the state of being humiliated.
- disgrace: Loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action.
Word family
- dignified (adj): Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.
- dignify (v): To make (something) seem worthy and impressive.
Collocations
- human dignity
- personal dignity
- maintain dignity
- preserve dignity
- lose dignity
Example sentences
- "Every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to be treated with dignity." About human rights.
- "Despite the immense suffering, the refugees maintained their dignity, refusing to be reduced to mere victims." About a difficult situation.
- "The monarch carried out her duties with grace and dignity, even in challenging times." About a public figure.
Memory hook
Think of a 'DIG' (digging deep) to find your inner 'DIGNITY,' a sense of worth that makes you feel 'NICE-TEE' (nice and tidy, respectable). DIG for NICE-TEE worth
When not to use
Do not use for superficial pride or arrogance. It implies a deeper, more fundamental sense of self-worth and respect.
Fun facts
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights begins by stating that 'recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.'
- The concept of 'dignity of labor' emphasizes that all forms of work, regardless of their nature, deserve respect.
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