/ ˈdɪgnɪfaɪ; NAmE / verb ( dig·ni·fies , dig·ni·fy·ing , dig·ni·fied ) [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to make sb/sth seem impressive :
The mayor was there to dignify the celebrations.
2.
to make sth appear important when it is not really :
I'm not going to dignify his comments by reacting to them.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French dignefier , from late Latin dignificare , from Latin dignus worthy.