/ ˈdɪgnəti; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
a calm and serious manner that deserves respect :
She accepted the criticism with quiet dignity.
2.
the fact of being given honour and respect by people :
the dignity of work
The terminally ill should be allowed to die with dignity.
3.
a sense of your own importance and value :
It's difficult to preserve your dignity when you have no job and no home.
•
IDIOMS
- beneath your dignity
- stand on your dignity
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French dignete , from Latin dignitas , from dignus worthy.