dignifies
Grants greater respect
Dignifies means to confer dignity or honor upon something, often something that doesn't deserve it.
The word frequently carries an ironic edge—refusing to dignify a question with a response suggests the question is beneath serious engagement.
More neutrally, formal ceremonies dignify occasions: The mayor's presence dignified the event.
To dignify can also mean to give something an elevated name or status it hasn't earned: Let's not dignify this shack by calling it a cabin.
Confers dignity upon
- exaltsPraises with reverence
- honorsRecognition for achievement
- upliftsRaises emotionally or physically
- glorifiesCelebrates with great praise
sanctifies · elevates · venerates · aggrandizes · magnifies · enhances · embellishes · adorns
Deserved praise-worthiness
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- nobilityTitled ruling class
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
honor · value · righteousness · morality · credibility · prestige · repute · stature
High regard, moral dignity
- tributeOffering of respect
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- acclaimEnthusiastic public approval
applause · acknowledgment · distinction · laurels · kudos · credit · homage · appreciation
Ceremonial set of actions
- processionFormal moving line
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
- investitureCeremony conferring rank
ordination · convocation · commemoration · consecration · pageantry · solemnity · liturgy · regalia
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Confers dignity upon
- exaltsPraises with reverence
- honorsRecognition for achievement
- upliftsRaises emotionally or physically
glorifies · sanctifies · elevates · venerates · aggrandizes · magnifies · enhances · embellishes · adorns · beautifies
merit
Deserved praise-worthiness
excellence · honor · value · righteousness · morality · credibility · prestige · repute · stature · standing
honor
High regard, moral dignity
- tributeOffering of respect
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- commendationFormal expression of approval
acclaim · applause · acknowledgment · distinction · laurels · kudos · credit · homage · appreciation · admiration
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
- processionFormal moving line
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
investiture · ordination · convocation · commemoration · consecration · pageantry · solemnity · liturgy · regalia · formality
dignifiesdemeans
Causes loss of dignity
degrades · debases · humiliates · disgraces · dishonors
dignifiestrivializes
Makes light of
dismisses · ignores · delegitimizes · invalidates · discredits
- dignified deathRespectful end of life
- dignified speechFormal, composed verbal expression