dignify

Dignify is defined as to give respect or honor, or to make something seem worthy even if it is not.

(verb)

See dignify in Webster's New World College Dictionary

to give dignity to; make worthy of esteem; honor, exalt, or ennoble
to make seem worthy or noble, as by giving a high-sounding name to: to dignify cowardice by calling it prudence

Origin: ME dignifien < OFr dignifier < ML dignificare < L dignus, worthy + -ficare < facere, to make, do

See dignify in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb dig·ni·fied, dig·ni·fy·ing, dig·ni·fies

To confer dignity or honor on; give distinction to: dignified him with a title.
To raise the status of (something unworthy or lowly); make honorable: would not dignify the insulting question with a response.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English dignifien

Origin: , from Old French dignifier

Origin: , from Late Latin dignificāre

Origin: : Latin dignus, worthy; see dek- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + Latin -ficāre, -fy

Learn more about dignify

dignify synonyms

dignify in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box