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Definition of dignitary

dignitary

/ˈdɪɡnɪˌtɛri/
dig · ni · tar · y
Plural:dignitaries
•
Adjective:dignitarial
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dignitary Lexical Profile

dignitary Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person thought to be of high rank, office, or eminence, especially in government, diplomacy, or religion.

Example

"Several foreign dignitaries attended the state dinner at the presidential palace."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

dignified
dignifiedly
dignify
dignitary
dignity
digress
digression

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Medieval Latin dignitarius, derived from classical Latin dignitas ('worthiness, high rank, or office'), from dignus ('worthy'). Originally used exclusively for high-ranking ecclesiastical officials before broadening to include secular leaders and diplomats.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dignitary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dignitary
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