dignified

Everyday

1. Calm, serious and behaving in a way that makes people respect you. tree →
2. Looking important and stately: «a dignified old building». tree →

In the lessons

In stories a dignified character stays calm and proud even in difficult times; a dignified silence shows self-respect. In everyday life, people try to treat old or ill people in a dignified way. Phrases: «a dignified silence», «dignified manner», «dignified response», «with dignity».

Examples

• The old judge walked in a slow, dignified way. tree →
• She kept a dignified silence when they teased her. tree →
• The losing team gave a dignified speech. tree →
• The cat sat on the wall looking very dignified. tree →
• The hospital makes sure patients are treated in a dignified way. tree →
• It's hard to look dignified when you fall in a puddle. tree →
• The Monkey sat up, grave and dignified, on the Dolphin's back. tree →

Note

Noun: «dignity». Opposite: «undignified». Spelled with -fied. It does not mean «rich» or «posh»; a poor person can be very dignified.