Dignity is a noun with a few related meanings. It can refer to a person’s sense of self-respectPride in yourself and belief that you deserve good treatment., a calm and formalDone in a serious, traditional, or proper manner. way of behaving, or a high rank or office. In everyday use, it most often means self-respect or a sense of worthValue or importance that someone or something has..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈdɪɡnɪti/
Easy pronunciation: DIG-ni-tee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: DIG.
Primary sense: the quality of being worthy of respect; self-respect and self-worth.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Dignity Meaning
a feeling of self-respect and worth
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the quality of being worthy of respect; self-respect and self-worth
Example: She kept her dignity even after losing the argument.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- self-respect — A very close match for the everyday sense of dignity.
- self-worth — Works when dignity means a person's sense of value.
- self-regard — Close in meaning, though a little more formal.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Dignity
Meaning 2
a calm, serious, and composed way of behaving
Part of speech: noun
Definition: formality, seriousness, or poise in a person's manner or appearance
Example: She carried herself with dignity during the ceremony.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- gravitas — Can fit this sense, especially a serious and composed presence.
- lordliness — Can fit in a formal or old-fashioned sense, but it is less common.
Meaning 3
an important rank or official status
Part of speech: noun
Definition: high office, rank, or position
Example: The envoy treated the visitors with the dignity of their office.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Dignity Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- self-respect
- self-worth
- self-regard
formal or composed manner
- gravitas
- lordliness
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Dignity does not always mean politeness; it often refers to self-respect or a composed way of acting.
- Do not use dignity as a direct synonym for rank unless the context is about office or status.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dignity mean?
Dignity usually means self-respect or worth. It can also mean a calm, formal manner, or an important rank or office.
What are the best synonyms for dignity?
For the main sense, the best synonyms are self-respect, self-worth, and self-regard. For the more formal sense, gravitas can fit.
Is dignity the same as respect?
Not exactly. Respect is something people show to others, while dignity is often the value or self-respect a person has, or the composed way they behave.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
