dignify

IPA/ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ/
KK[dˈɪɡnəfˌaɪ]IPA/ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ/

dignify — verb

  • dignifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • dignifieshe / she / it
  • dignifiedpast simple
  • dignifying-ing form

1. to give something a sense of worth, seriousness, or importance — for example, ad

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to give something a sense of worth, seriousness, or importance — for example, adding beautiful details that make a simple room feel elegant, or holding a formal ceremony that honours people's hard work.

Example

The mayor hoped the new art gallery would dignify the old industrial district.

dignify + noun phrase (place/area)

A simple wooden bench can dignify a garden more than expensive statues.

Common collocations
  • dignify + ceremony
  • dignify + effort
  • dignify + space
  • dignify + occasion
Synonyms
  • elevate

    emphasises lifting to a higher status; more common in figurative use

  • honour

    more personal and emotional; 'dignify' is more about bestowed worth

  • ennoble

    formal, historical; suggests raising moral or social standing

Antonyms
  • degrade

    to lower in quality or character

  • cheapen

    to make something seem less valuable or worthy

Grammar Patterns

dignify + object

Usage Note

Frequently used in formal or ceremonial contexts. The subject is often an institution, an event, or an abstract concept (art, ceremony, award), not a person acting spontaneously.

Common Mistakes

We dignified the office with a new sofa.
We dignified the office with a piece of artwork from a local painter.
'dignify' in this sense pairs better with meaningful additions than generic furniture.
She dignified her speech.
The formal occasion dignified the speaker's remarks.
The subject that bestows dignity is usually an event or setting, not a person's own action.

2. to describe or treat something in a way that makes it seem more important or res

2.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to describe or treat something in a way that makes it seem more important or respectable than it really is — often used to show that the speaker does not believe the importance is deserved. For example, calling a small problem a 'challenge' to make it sound bigger, or giving a silly idea a serious name.

Example

The company tried to dignify its layoffs by calling them a 'workforce optimisation plan'.

dignify + noun phrase + by + gerund

Khalid refused to dignify the false rumour with a public response.

refuse to dignify + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • refuse to dignify
  • not dignify
  • dignify + rumour
  • dignify + insult
  • dignify + accusation
Synonyms
  • glorify

    stronger and more critical; implies overpraising

  • aggrandise

    very formal; making something seem greater in power or wealth

  • whitewash

    implies covering up flaws to make something look better

Antonyms
  • expose

    to reveal the true (often bad) nature of something

  • belittle

    to make something seem unimportant

Grammar Patterns

dignify + object + with/by + noun/gerund

Usage Note

Almost always used in negative contexts or ironic statements. Common collocates are refuse/not/would not dignify + something + with/by. The object is typically something undesirable (rumour, insult, accusation, layoff).

Common Mistakes

He dignified the rumour with a reply.
He refused to dignify the rumour with a reply.
This sense is almost always used in negative constructions or irony.
The teacher dignified the student's question.
The teacher dignified the silly question by giving it a thoughtful answer.
Without context showing the question was undeserving, the meaning is unclear.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

While 'dignify', 'elevate', 'honour', and 'ennoble' all convey the idea of raising something in status or worth, they differ in scope and register. 'Dignify' focuses on giving something a sense of respectability or seriousness, often through external actions like a ceremony or design choice. 'Elevate' is broader and more common in figurative language, covering both moral and physical lifting ('elevate the conversation'). 'Honour' is more personal and emotional, implying sincere recognition or tribute ('honour a promise'). 'Ennoble' is the rarest and most formal, carrying historical overtones of granting noble rank or cultivating moral refinement. For example, a city council may dignify a park by naming it after a local hero, elevate the discussion by inviting experts, honour their commitment by completing the renovation, or ennoble the profession through rigorous training standards.

elevate ↗honour ↗ennoble ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • refuse to dignify
  • not dignify ... with

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'dignificare', combining 'dignus' (worthy) and 'facere' (to make). The word entered English through French 'dignifier' in the 15th century, originally meaning 'to make worthy or honourable'. By the 17th century, it had gained its critical sense of giving an undeserved appearance of importance.