French word

dignité

Pronunciation

IPA/diɲite/

Meaning

  • feminine noundignity

Example

Tout le monde a droit à la dignité.

Everyone is entitled to dignity.

Illustration for dignité (dignity)

More examples

Il a gardé sa dignité malgré l'humiliation.

He kept his dignity despite the humiliation.

Core concept

A person carries an inner worth that deserves respectful treatment, even without wealth or rank.

Common phrases

  • défendre la dignité

    defend one's dignity

  • respecter la dignité

    respect dignity

Similar words

respect: Courtesy and esteem expressed toward another person.
considération: A considerate attitude that gives weight to another person's needs or status.
estime: A favorable opinion of someone's abilities or personal qualities.

Definition in French

Caractère d'une personne qui, en raison de sa valeur humaine ou morale, mérite le respect et la considération.

Word origin

French dignité comes from Latin dignitas, formed from dignus, meaning "worthy," and retains the idea of deserving respect.

Usage tips

  • Dignité is more formal than everyday phrases such as respect de soi and often appears in public, legal, or ceremonial language.

Opposites

Related words

  • dignedignifiedadjective
  • dignementwith dignityadverb

Word lists with this word