dignity

USAGE SUMMARY

'dignity' is a correctly spelled and correctly used word in written English.
It is a noun and is defined as the quality of being worthy of honor or respect. You can use it any time you want to describe someone or something that deserves or commands respect. Example sentence: The elderly woman carried herself with dignity throughout the difficult situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Lifestyle

World

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The generation who grew up surrounded by acknowledgements that they had dignity, bravery and the capacity for greatness were, unsurprisingly, nifty voters - the first chance they got, they elected a government which promised to reward their sacrifices with a welfare state.

The Guardian

I want her to have dignity and be put to rest".

The Guardian

Some of them love human dignity so much that they are ready to legalise torture to defend it.

The Guardian

It was "beneath the dignity of the institution I revere", Biden said in a statement.

The Guardian

A couple of days ago, I spoke to Nicola Heaney, the great-niece of Mortensen, who talked with restrained dignity about the past week and how distressing his widow, Jean, who died a couple of years ago, would have found it.

The Guardian - Sport

It is all part of the process of maintaining some dignity in a massively overcrowded and unfair profession.

The Guardian

They are right to say that work is a noble calling, that good work generates value, and that workers should be treated with dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier this year, Jyoti Sanghera, chief of the UN Human Rights Office on Economic and Social Issues, called the stigma around menstrual hygiene "a violation of several human rights, most importantly the right to human dignity".

The Guardian - Opinion

Lighting up again, he says that throughout the disintegration of his marriage – with the ex he refuses to name here for reasons of privacy – he maintained his integrity and dignity, "for my children's sake".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Women are told they are "are vital to the success of the British economy"; pensioners that they deserve "dignity and financial security" – but only if they have worked hard; and teachers that, while many of them are "excellent", the Tories want to improve the profession.

The Guardian

Each week they take a customised bus up to the Bellgrove from which they dispense some food and warmth, but also a degree of the dignity and respect which was probably last encountered a long time ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like illness, poverty, or loss, using "dignity" can promote respectful and compassionate language.

Common error

Avoid using "dignity" to describe behavior that is actually arrogant or condescending. "Dignity" implies inherent worth and respect, not superiority.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dignity" functions as an abstract concept representing the quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use and indicates its prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Opinion

12%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Lifestyle

6%

World

6%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dignity" is a noun that refers to the quality of being worthy of respect or honor. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Primarily, "dignity" appears in News & Media, Opinion pieces, and Sport articles, signifying its relevance in discussions about human rights, ethical conduct, and respectful behavior. When writing, it is important to distinguish "dignity" from arrogance and to use it to emphasize the inherent worth of individuals. Alternative words include "self-respect" and "self-worth". This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights for using "dignity" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-respect

Focuses on the respect one has for oneself.

self-worth

Emphasizes the value one places on oneself.

worthiness

Highlights the quality of deserving respect or admiration.

honor

Implies a high moral standard and respectability.

gravitas

Refers to seriousness and importance of manner.

composure

Suggests maintaining a calm and self-controlled state, especially in a difficult situation.

decorum

Highlights proper and polite behavior.

nobility

Implies elevated moral character and integrity.

prestige

Refers to widespread respect and admiration.

stature

Emphasizes achieved level of respect and importance.

FAQs

How can I use "dignity" in a sentence?

You can use "dignity" to describe someone behaving in a respectable manner or something deserving respect. For example, "She handled the difficult situation with dignity" or "Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity".

What are some words similar to "dignity"?

Similar words include "self-respect", "self-worth", "honor", and "composure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "personal dignity"?

Yes, "personal dignity" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It emphasizes the inherent worth and respect that each individual possesses.

What is the difference between "dignity" and "respect"?

"Dignity" is the inherent worth and value of a person, while "respect" is the act of showing consideration and appreciation for that worth. One has "dignity", and others show "respect".