English Explanatory Dictionary

dignify

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To invest with dignity or honour.
  2. To give distinction to.
  3. To exalt in rank.
  4. To treat as worthy or acceptable; to indulge or condone by acknowledging.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ/ En-us-dignify.ogg

Word forms

dignify dignifies dignifying dignified

Etymology

From Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, from dignus (“worthy”) + ficare (in comp.), facere (“to make”). See deign and fact.

Synonyms

honor illustrate aggrandize applaud enthrone appraise belaud bepraise commend cry up eulogize exalt extol glorify idolize laud lionize magnify panegyrize praise puff revere speak well of transfigure venerate worthy adorn grace adore apparel array invest detail beautify bedeck betrim decorate decore deck deck out do up dress up dub embellish enrich garnish mangonize ornament prettify pretty up advance elevate ennoble prefer dignify nobilitate promote raise uplift

Antonyms

mortify shame demean humiliate abase bring down to size cut down to size debase defame degrade demote depress discredit disgrace dishonour disparage downgrade embase give a bad name humble knock down to size put someone in their place reduce relegate sink slur trim down to size whittle down to size

Related words

dignification dignified dignity

Derived words

dignifiable undignify

Translations

Bulgarian: удостоявам Danish: værdige Dutch: vereren French: honorer German: würdigen Japanese: 褒賞する
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