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Dignify: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

arrow down
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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dignify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dignificar

🇮🇳 सम्मान देना

🇩🇪 würdigen

🇮🇩 menghormati

🇺🇦 вшановувати

🇵🇱 uszlachetnić

🇯🇵 尊敬する

🇫🇷 dignifier

🇪🇸 dignificar

🇹🇷 onurlandırmak

🇰🇷 존경을 표시하다

🇸🇦 تشريف

🇨🇿 uctít

🇸🇰 poctiť

🇨🇳 尊重

🇸🇮 počastiti

🇮🇸 heiðra

🇰🇿 құрметтеу

🇬🇪 ღირსების მინიჭება

🇦🇿 şərəfləndirmək

🇲🇽 dignificar

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.