dig ‧ ni ‧ ty /ˈdɪɡnəti, ˈdɪɡnɪti/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Date: 1100-1200 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: dignité , from Latin dignitas 'worth' , from dignus 'deserving admiration' ]
1 . the ability to behave in a calm controlled way even in a difficult situation
with dignity
The family faced their ordeal with dignity.
an appearance of quiet dignity
2 . your dignity your sense of your own value or importance
retain/lose your dignity
Old people need to retain their dignity and independence.
Arguing was beneath her dignity (=was something she thought she was too important to do) .
3 . the fact of being respected or deserving respect
with dignity
Patients should be allowed to die with dignity.
Prisoners should be treated with regard for human dignity.
4 . a calm and serious quality
dignity of
the dignity of the occasion
5 . stand on your dignity formal to demand to be treated with proper respect