Dignitary
/ˈdɪɡ.nɪ.tɛr.i/noun
A person who holds high rank or office.
Did you know?Its deepest root is Proto-Indo-European *deik-* meaning “to show” or “point out,” the same ancient source behind words like *teach* and *dictionary*—as if rank began as being visibly marked out.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deik-
“to show, point out”
Latin
Latin
dignus
“worthy, deserving”
Late Latin
Latin
dignitarius
“a person of dignity or rank”
Middle English
English
dignite
“dignity, worthiness”
16th Century
English
dignitary
“a person of high rank or office”
Modern English
English
dignitary
“a person who holds high rank or office”
Explore more surprising origins