a matter of dignity

USAGE SUMMARY

"a matter of dignity" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
For example, you could say, "It's a matter of dignity to respect others, no matter how much money they have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was, they said, a "matter of dignity".

Independent

I think that it was, for him, surpassingly a matter of dignity.

The Guardian

"This is more than a fight about the EU now, this is a matter of dignity," he said.

Independent

Young people living with parents (parents with income) need a little of their own: it's a matter of dignity.

The Guardian

In "A Matter of Dignity" (1958, 101 minutes), a self-centered mother pushes her daughter at a suitor with money and battles with her impoverished maid.

The New York Times

Michel Sidib?executive director of Unaids, the United Nations AIDS agency, said, "We're calling strongly for the government to revisit this issue as a matter of dignity and human rights".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Spiegelberg [ 27] distinguishes between: the expression of dignity by inward and outward behaviour; dignity in general (a matter of degree); human dignity (minimum dignity which belongs to every human being qua human); intrinsic and extrinsic dignity; relational and absolute dignity; and dignity in itself (intrinsic worth) and ground for dignity and worthiness of respect.

BMC Nursing

Here glamour seems to be a matter of personal dignity, as too are expensive funerals.

The Guardian

Lawyers said the president had acted illegally; he said that it was a matter of "national dignity".

The Economist

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic catechism affirm that compassion for animals is a matter of human dignity.

The New York Times

"For Greeks, this is a matter of national dignity and a national strategic choice and no other integrated and responsible choice can be opposed to it," he declared.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of dignity" to emphasize the importance of treating individuals with respect and recognizing their inherent worth, especially in situations involving vulnerability or injustice.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of dignity" in situations where the issue is minor or insignificant, as it can sound overly dramatic or insincere. Reserve it for truly important situations involving respect, ethics, or fundamental rights.

Linguistic Context

A matter of dignity functions as a noun phrase that modifies a subject, emphasizing the importance of respecting an individual's inherent worth and ethical considerations. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its usage across different contexts, reinforcing its function as a descriptor of essential human values.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a matter of dignity" is commonly employed to emphasize the importance of respecting an individual's worth, particularly in ethical or vulnerable situations. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, formal communications, and scientific discourse. The related phrases, such as "an issue of respect" or "a question of self-respect", offer similar nuances depending on the context. When using "a matter of dignity", it is essential to reserve it for scenarios where the ethical implications and the importance of respect are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An issue of respect

Changes the focus from dignity to the closely related concept of respect.

A question of self-respect

Focuses on the self-respect aspect of dignity.

A point of honor

Replaces dignity with honor, emphasizing moral principles.

A human right

Elevates the issue to a fundamental entitlement.

A basic decency

Shifts the emphasis to fundamental standards of decent behavior.

An element of self-worth

Highlights the connection to individual value and esteem.

A question of principle

Frames the issue as adherence to a moral code.

A fundamental value

Presents dignity as a core belief or ideal.

A moral imperative

Stresses the ethical obligation involved.

A bedrock of civilization

Emphasizes dignity's crucial role in societal structure and progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of dignity" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of dignity" to emphasize the importance of respect and ethical behavior. For example, "Ensuring access to basic healthcare is "a matter of dignity" for all citizens."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of dignity"?

Some alternatives include "an issue of respect", "a question of self-respect", or "a human right", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a matter of dignity" or "a question of dignity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "A matter of dignity" emphasizes the importance or significance of dignity in a particular situation, while "a question of dignity" raises whether dignity is being upheld or considered.

In what contexts is "a matter of dignity" most often used?

"A matter of dignity" is frequently used in contexts related to human rights, ethical treatment, and respect for individuals, as Ludwig's examples show. It is common in discussions about social justice, healthcare, and personal autonomy.