First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
dignify
verb dig·ni·fy \ˈdig-nə-ˌfī\
: to cause (something) to have more serious and important quality : to give dignity or importance to (something)
: to treat (something or someone) with respect or seriousness that is not deserved
dig·ni·fieddig·ni·fy·ing
Full Definition of DIGNIFY
transitive verb
1
: to give distinction to : ennoble
2
: to confer dignity upon; also : to give undue attention or status to <won't dignify that remark with a reply>
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Origin of DIGNIFY
Middle English dignifien, from Middle French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, from Latin dignus worthy — more at decent
Related to DIGNIFY
Rhymes with DIGNIFY
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DIGNIFY Defined for Kids
dignify
verb dig·ni·fy \ˈdig-nə-ˌfī\
dig·ni·fieddig·ni·fy·ing
Definition of DIGNIFY for Kids
1
: to give dignity or importance to <She felt formal clothes would dignify the occasion.>
2
: to treat with respect or seriousness that is not deserved <… our cay was so small that the charts wouldn't even dignify it with a name. — Theodore Taylor, The Cay>
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