- (used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation; “our distinguished professor”
- used of a person’s appearance or behavior; befitting an eminent person; “his distinguished bearing”; “the monarch’s imposing presence”; “she reigned in magisterial beauty”
“Dignified.”
- having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance; “her dignified demeanor”; “the director of the school was a dignified white-haired gentleman”
- having or showing self-esteem
Those are two words you don’t hear applied to many people these days. More’s the pity. Make an effort to have those two adjectives pop into someone’s head when they see you today.
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Oh blimey, yes: it’s such a shame that distinguished and dignified don’t have greater social traction these days, though we’re quite keen on them at Esquire in London. Is there anything one ought to aspire to more? I’m not sure there is.
What might be the female equivalent? Elegant and soignee?
I’ve been meaning to comment for an awful long time – I do enjoy your blog, and anyone that begins with a quote from Baudelaire has my vote any day of the week
Mrs. Trefusis, thank you for a very kind comment. Coming from you, it means a lot.
I would hope that the terms are not that gender specific. I think that “sophisticated” makes the short list and soignee…. what a delightful word. How about “refined”? Or “poised”? Most certainly “elegant” should apply.
Please see Bill Cunningham’s video on today’s New York Times’online edition – “Wilted” — and his always great commentary. It’s on the front page. He shows the men who are maintaining their style during
New York’s heat wave.
Best wishes,
BarbaraG
Amen! It is a shame more people don’t aspire to measuring up to the definitions.
Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
…an apology to Mr. E for my comment which was a bit off topic.
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barG, don’t be silly! It’s summer and frankly that was a fine slideshow. I twittered, posted it to facebook and generally dined out on your suggestion. Thanks!
A poignant and timely post, you’re one of my favorite subscriptions.
Diana, thank you.
Dignified? I don’t believe I have ever been accused of that? Possibly its generational and mine is a generation still playing Nintendo.