dignify
UK: ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ | US: ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪ
vt. to give dignity or honor to someone or something
vt. to make something seem worthy or respectable
dignify = dign<worthy> + ify<verb suffix meaning "to make">
- dign: From Latin dignus (worthy, deserving), preserved in English as a root conveying worthiness or honor (e.g., dignity, indignant).
- ify: A verb-forming suffix derived from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make" or "to cause to become" (e.g., simplify, purify).
Etymology Origin:
The word dignify emerged in Middle English (14th century) from Old French dignifier, itself from Latin dignificare (to make worthy). The root dign- reflects the core idea of worthiness, while -ify transforms it into an action—literally "to make worthy." This mirrors the Latin dignus (worthy), a term tied to social esteem and moral value in ancient Rome. Over time, dignify evolved to describe both literal acts of honoring and figurative efforts to lend respectability.
The ceremony was held to dignify the achievements of the retiring professor.
Adding a formal title can dignify even the simplest job.
She refused to dignify his rude remarks with a response.
The restoration project aims to dignify the historic building.
His calm demeanor dignified the chaotic situation.