dignity

/ˈdɪɡnəti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪɡnəti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdig-nə-tē/ (ame, mw)

dignity — noun

1. A calm and controlled way of acting that shows seriousness and earns respect fro

1.名詞B2
釋義

A calm and controlled way of acting that shows seriousness and earns respect from others.

例句

Apinya faced the angry crowd with quiet dignity and refused to shout back.

collocation: with + adjective + dignity

The funeral was conducted with great dignity and respect for the family.

同義詞
  • composure

    focuses on emotional control rather than earning respect

  • poise

    emphasises graceful, self-assured behaviour, often in social settings

  • decorum

    more formal; stresses proper, polite behaviour according to social rules

反義詞
  • indignity

    treatment that makes someone feel embarrassed or not respected

文法句型

with + possessive + dignity

用法筆記

Often used with prepositions like 'with' to describe how someone behaves in a difficult situation. The adjective 'quiet', 'calm', or 'great' commonly modifies this sense.

常見錯誤

❌He showed great pride when accepting the criticism.
✅He showed great dignity when accepting the criticism.
💡'pride' suggests a feeling of satisfaction, while 'dignity' refers to calm, serious composure in a difficult moment.

2. The feeling of your own worth as a person, which gives you the right to be treat

2.名詞B2
釋義

The feeling of your own worth as a person, which gives you the right to be treated fairly and with respect.

例句

Ayana felt her dignity was damaged when her colleagues laughed at her presentation.

possessive + dignity + passive verb

Every person has a basic human dignity that must be protected by law.

collocation: human dignity

同義詞
  • self-respect

    focuses on how you regard and care for yourself; slightly more active than dignity

  • self-worth

    more about internal value; dignity includes the social aspect of being respected by others

  • honour

    can overlap, but often tied to reputation and social standing rather than inherent worth

反義詞
  • shame

    a painful feeling of having lost worth or respect in the eyes of others or oneself

文法句型

possessive + dignity

human dignity

用法筆記

Frequently appears in discussions of human rights, healthcare, and social justice. Can be modified by possessive adjectives (my, his, her, their) to indicate an individual's sense of worth.

常見錯誤

❌He lost his self-respect when nobody trusted him.' (when dignity is meant)
✅He lost his dignity when nobody trusted him.
💡'self-respect' is about how you treat yourself; 'dignity' is about the worth you feel you have as a person.

3. A high or important position within a formal system such as a government, church

3.名詞C1
釋義

A high or important position within a formal system such as a government, church, or court, along with the respect that comes with it.

例句

The position of a Supreme Court judge carries great dignity in our legal system.

collocation: carries + great + dignity

Christopher rose to the dignity of a senior minister after thirty years of service.

同義詞
  • rank

    more general; can refer to any level of a hierarchy, not just high ones

  • status

    broader, can refer to social standing outside formal systems

  • prestige

    focuses on the admiration and respect that a position brings

文法句型

the dignity of + position

rise to the dignity of

用法筆記

Common in formal or historical contexts describing titles, offices, and ranks. Unlike senses 1 and 2, this sense does not take possessive adjectives to describe personal composure or worth.

常見錯誤

❌She reached the dignity of a senior doctor.' (when meaning rank)
✅She reached the position of a senior doctor.
💡'dignity' used for rank is formal and uncommon in everyday career contexts; 'position' or 'rank' is more natural.