dignified
/ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪd/
adjective
Origin
Latin
dignificare — to make worthy
Overview
Meaning Now
- Having or showing a composed, serious, or stately manner.
- Worthy of respect; noble.
Literal older meaning
made worthy
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
dignifier
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word descends from the Latin 'dignus', which shares a PIE root with 'decent' and 'decorum'. While initially related to the bestowal of honor or rank, the term evolved in Middle English to describe behavior that commands respect and dignity.
Evolution
- Latin
dignus
“worthy”
- Latin
dignificare
“to render worthy”
Compound of dignus + facere
- Middle English
dignified
“elevated in rank or worth”
Borrowed via Old French
Connections
Word parts
digni-
root
worthy
-fied
suffix
made
Related across languages
French
digne
worthy
Spanish
digno
worthy
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.