dignitary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dignitary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who is accorded special honor or respect because of their position or rank. For example, "The President was joined by several international dignitaries at the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One answer could simply be the traditional dignitary harms associated with invasions of privacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Tuesday, a foreign desk correspondent at one of Tehran's reformist dailies said he believed the reports were credible, "Otherwise why would Rouhani lavish his 'first foreign dignitary to visit' honor on Sultan Qaboos?

The Guardian

These reflect badly on Mr Berlusconi as they show what sort of men and women acquired positions of influence under his long leadership.Antonio Piazza, a regional PdL leader, is accused of slashing the tyres of a disabled driver who had the effrontery to use a parking bay, reserved for the disabled, in which the PdL dignitary liked to leave his Jaguar.

The Economist

He was a close friend of the  the Dalai Lama almost the first foreign dignitary he received as president, and a visitor in the last days of his life.

The Economist

The state constitution says: "No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, applied,donated, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, or system of religion, or for the use, benefit, or support of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary, or sectarian institution as such".

The Economist

He became a close friend of the Dalai Lama, who was almost the first foreign dignitary he received as president.

The Economist

Despite the ambiguity, Galerie Hussenot was instructed to remove the brooms every time a dignitary walked past.Up the dusty highway, the Sharjah Biennial also exhibited a range of different political work.

The Economist

She was ready to brief every visiting reporter and dignitary about the iniquities of Milosevic and his cronies.

The Economist

Her recent speeches, seen as unsavoury, over-the-top and unworthy of a dignitary, have further tarnished her reputation.While the vice-president has avoided responding to the allegations made against her, surrogates including war veteran leaders have returned fire, broadening the brawl.

The Economist

The most recent dignitary to discover Kazakhstan was Germany's foreign minister, Joschka Fischer.

The Economist

Prelate, an ecclesiastical dignitary of high rank.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about multiple "dignitaries", use the plural form "dignitaries".

Common error

Avoid using "dignitary" when you mean "dignity". "Dignitary" refers to a person, while "dignity" refers to the quality of being worthy of respect or honor.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dignitary" primarily functions as a subject or object in sentences, referring to an individual who holds a position of honor or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is generally used correctly in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

26%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dignitary" refers to an important or influential person, typically one holding a high office or position. Ludwig AI confirms it's used correctly in English. It appears most frequently in news and media and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "dignitary", ensure you are referring to a person, not the abstract concept of dignity. Alternatives like "high-ranking official" or "prominent figure" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-ranking official

Focuses on the hierarchical position of the person.

esteemed personage

Emphasizes the respect and admiration the person commands.

prominent figure

Highlights the person's notability and public recognition.

notable individual

A more general term indicating someone worthy of attention.

VIP (very important person)

A common abbreviation emphasizing importance and special treatment.

person of high standing

Highlights the person's reputation and social position.

leading light

Suggests the person is a leader or has significant influence.

celebrated personality

Highlights the person's fame and public recognition.

statesman

Specifically refers to a political leader, typically one who is respected and skilled.

ambassador

Refers to an official representative, typically in diplomatic contexts.

FAQs

How to use "dignitary" in a sentence?

You can use "dignitary" to refer to an important or influential person, often holding a high position. For example, "The president welcomed the foreign dignitaries at the state dinner."

What can I say instead of "dignitary"?

You can use alternatives like "high-ranking official", "prominent figure", or "VIP" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a dignitary" or "an dignitary"?

It is correct to say "a dignitary" because the word "dignitary" starts with a consonant sound.

What is the difference between "dignitary" and "delegate"?

"Dignitary" refers to a person holding a high rank or position, worthy of respect, while a "delegate" is someone chosen or elected to represent a group. A "dignitary" may also be a delegate.