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Dignify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dignify

[ˈdɪɡ.nɪ.faɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

To dignify means to make someone or something seem worthy and impressive. It can also mean to give a formal or high status to someone or something.

Synonyms

elevate, ennoble, glorify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dignify

Best used to give someone or something a sense of worth or respect, often by treating them in a more serious or respectful manner.

  • By including her in the discussion, you dignify her contributions.
  • The teacher attempted to dignify the students' efforts, regardless of the results.
elevate

Useful in contexts where you want to raise someone or something to a higher level or standard, either literally or metaphorically.

  • This promotion will elevate your status within the company.
  • The inspiring speech elevated my mood.
ennoble

Commonly used when you want to add a sense of nobility or honor to someone or something, often implying a transformation or improvement in character.

  • Volunteering for the charity work ennobled her spirit.
  • The experience of adversity can ennoble a person.
glorify

Frequently used when you want to praise or honor someone or something, often to an excessive degree. This word can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it implies exaggeration.

  • Some people glorify celebrities for their lifestyle.
  • The movie tends to glorify violence, which is problematic.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to dignify her actions by explaining her reasons.
  • The ceremony was held to dignify the occasion.
Context #2 | Verb

in literature

In literature, to dignify means to elevate the language or style of a piece of writing to a more formal or respectful level.

Synonyms

elevate, ennoble, glorify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dignify

Used when giving someone or something a sense of worth or honor, often by treating them with respect or importance.

  • The teacher dignifies each student's efforts, no matter how small.
  • He did not want to dignify the rude comment with a response.
elevate

Employed when raising someone or something to a higher status or level, either literally or metaphorically.

  • The mayor's speech was meant to elevate community spirit.
  • The new policy aims to elevate the quality of education in public schools.
ennoble

Best used when describing the act of giving someone or something a noble quality or character, usually in a moral or ethical sense.

  • The experience of helping others can ennoble a person's character.
  • His actions ennobled the profession in the eyes of many.
glorify

Often used when praising or honoring someone or something to the point of exaggeration, sometimes with a negative connotation of making something seem better than it actually is.

  • The magazine article glorified the actor's lifestyle to an unrealistic extent.
  • We should not glorify war but remember the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Examples of usage

  • The author's use of poetic language dignified the novel.
  • The playwright's dialogue dignified the characters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, to dignify someone often involves acknowledging their struggles and contributions, enhancing their social value.
  • Ceremonial events, like weddings or graduations, aim to dignify participants by celebrating their achievements.
  • Art and literature frequently explore themes of dignity, illustrating how characters regain or lose worth in society.

Psychology

  • Feeling dignified can boost self-esteem and promote positive mental health.
  • Studies show that treating others with dignity fosters trust and collaboration in personal and professional relationships.
  • Small acts of kindness can dignify others, creating a ripple effect of respect and positive behavior in communities.

Literature

  • Many authors, like Shakespeare, depict characters who seek dignity in challenging times, showcasing its importance in human experience.
  • Symbols of dignity, such as crowns or thrones, often represent the struggle for respect in various narratives.
  • Poems and essays frequently reflect on the loss of dignity, challenging readers to contemplate its relevance in their lives.

Social Movements

  • Movements advocating for civil rights highlight the importance of dignity in the fight against oppression and injustice.
  • The term often arises in discussions about equality, emphasizing the need to dignify marginalized communities.
  • Advocates argue that dignity is a fundamental human right, integral to social justice and personal freedom.

Origin of 'dignify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dignificare', which means to make worthy.
  • In the 14th century, it began to be used in English to describe actions that elevate someone's status or honor.
  • Related words include 'dignity' and 'dignified', showing the connection between respect and nobility.

The word 'dignify' originated from the Latin word 'dignificare', which means 'to make worthy'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'dignify' has been used to convey the idea of giving importance, honor, or respect to someone or something.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,628, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.