dignitary

/ˈdɪɡnɪtəri/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈɪɡnətˌɛri] /ˈdɪɡnɪteri/ (ame, ipa) · [dˈɪɡnətˌɛri] /ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio) -ˌte-rē/ (ame, mw)

dignitary — noun

  • dignitarysingular
  • dignitariesplural

1. someone whose high public role or social rank makes other people treat them with

1.名詞C1
釋義

someone whose high public role or social rank makes other people treat them with special respect at formal events

例句

Security staff checked every bag before the dignitary entered the hall.

security before a dignitary's formal arrival

Andrés bowed as the dignitary stepped out of the black car.

同義詞
  • official

    broader and less ceremonial; many officials are not dignitaries

  • VIP

    more informal and can include celebrities or favored guests

  • delegate

    stresses representing a group, not necessarily high rank

文法句型

foreign dignitary

welcome a dignitary

dinner with a dignitary

用法筆記

Usually seen in news reports and ceremonies for a visiting political, religious, or cultural figure. It suggests public rank and formal respect, not just any person with authority at work.

常見錯誤

❌The department manager was the main dignitary at lunch.
✅The visiting ambassador was the main dignitary at lunch.
💡'dignitary' is used for people with high public rank or ceremonial status, not for any manager.