dignify
DIHG-nih-feye
Dignify (verb) means to give something an air of importance or worth it may not really deserve. Example: “I won't dignify that accusation with a response.”
verb
1
To give something an air of importance or worth it may not really deserve.
"I won't dignify that accusation with a response."
"Don’t dignify his rudeness by arguing back."
How to use dignify
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo treat something as more worthy or important than it really deserves, usually used negatively ("won’t dignify with a response").
Common pairings
dignify with a response
dignify an insult
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- dignifies
- Past tense
- dignified
Fill the gap
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I won't _____ that accusation with a response.
Etymology
From Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, based on dignus, "worthy."
Related words
Rhymes for dignify
See all rhymes for dignify →Frequently asked questions
What does “dignify” mean?
The word “dignify” means to give something an air of importance or worth it may not really deserve. In plain terms, to treat something as more worthy or important than it really deserves, usually used negatively ("won’t dignify with a response").
How do you pronounce “dignify”?
“Dignify” is pronounced DIHG-nih-feye (/ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dignify” in a sentence?
Here is “dignify” used in a sentence: “I won't dignify that accusation with a response.”
What part of speech is “dignify”?
“Dignify” is a verb.
Where does the word “dignify” come from?
The word “dignify” comes from Late Latin. From Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, based on dignus, "worthy.".
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