dignitary

/'dignitəri/

Thân thiện

A dignitary arrives at the ceremony in a black car.

Definition

Noun: A person who holds a high rank or office, especially in government or a religious institution; someone considered important or influential, often due to their official position.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The mayor and other local dignitaries attended the opening ceremony of the new hospital.
  • The conference was attended by foreign dignitaries from over twenty countries.
  • As a church dignitary, the bishop was responsible for several parishes.

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a degree of formality and respect associated with the person's office. It can sometimes carry a subtle connotation of being overly self-important or pompous due to their status.
  • The young diplomat found it difficult to get a straight answer from the aging dignitary.

Variants and Related Words

• Dignity (n): The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
  • He comported himself with great dignity during the crisis.
• Dignified (adj): Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.
  • Her dignified response to the criticism earned her admiration.

Synonyms

• Official: A person holding public office or having official duties.
• Luminary: A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
• V.I.P. (Very Important Person): A person of great influence or prestige.

Idioms and Phrases

• Dignitary status: The condition of being treated as or recognized as a dignitary.
  • The visiting professor was granted dignitary status during her stay at the university.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an important or influential (and often overbearing) person

Từ đồng nghĩa

• very important person
• VIP
• high-up
• panjandrum
• high muckamuck