Word: Dignify
Part of Speech: Verb
Basic Definition: To "dignify" means to make something seem more important, serious, or worthy of respect. It can also mean to give someone a title or honor that raises their status.
Usage Instructions: - Use "dignify" when talking about actions that enhance the importance or respectability of a person or situation. - It is often used in formal contexts, such as discussions about titles, honors, or serious matters.
Example Sentences: 1. "She refused to dignify the rude comment with a response." (This means she chose not to make the rude comment seem important by answering it.) 2. "He was dignified with an award for his bravery." (This means he received an award that honored him for being brave.)
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, "dignify" can be used in discussions about social issues, politics, or ceremonies where respect and status are important. For example, one might say, "The committee's decision to dignify the artist with a lifetime achievement award reflects the value of their contributions to the community."
Word Variants: - Dignified (adjective): Describing someone who behaves in a way that shows respect and seriousness. Example: "She carried herself in a dignified manner." - Dignity (noun): The quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Example: "Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity."
Different Meanings: - "Dignify" can refer to making a situation seem more serious, such as when one refuses to answer a silly question, indicating that they do not want to give it more importance than it deserves.
Synonyms: - Honor - Elevate - Exalt - Respect - Glorify
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically with "dignify," but it might be used in phrases like "not worth dignifying," meaning something is not important enough to respond to.
Summary: To "dignify" something is to give it importance or honor. It can be used in many contexts, often to describe how we treat people or respond to situations.