digne
digne در ۳۰ ثانیه
- Digne primarily means 'worthy' or 'deserving' of something, often used with the preposition 'de'.
- It also describes a person who is 'dignified', showing self-respect and honor in their actions.
- Commonly found in phrases like 'digne de confiance' (trustworthy) and 'digne de ce nom' (worthy of the name).
- It is a formal to neutral adjective that agrees in number but not in gender in the singular.
The French adjective digne is a versatile and essential word that primarily translates to 'worthy' or 'deserving' in English. At its core, it describes someone or something that possesses sufficient merit, value, or character to justify a particular treatment, reaction, or status. However, its usage extends beyond mere merit; it also carries a strong connotation of 'dignity'—that sense of being composed, honorable, and self-respecting, especially in difficult situations. Understanding digne requires looking at it through two main lenses: the relational lens (being worthy *of* something) and the intrinsic lens (being a dignified person).
- Relational Worth
- In this context, 'digne' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de'. It indicates that a person or thing deserves a specific outcome. For example, 'digne de louange' means 'worthy of praise.' It is used in professional settings to describe candidates, in personal settings to describe trust, and in critical settings to evaluate quality.
Cet homme est digne de votre confiance absolue.
- Intrinsic Dignity
- When used alone to describe a person's demeanor, 'digne' means they carry themselves with honor and gravity. It suggests a lack of pettiness and a presence of self-control. A 'comportement digne' is a behavior that commands respect because it is serious and noble.
Historically, 'digne' comes from the Latin 'dignus', which shares the root with 'dignitas' (dignity). In French culture, being 'digne' is highly valued as it reflects the Republican ideals of respect and civic virtue. You will hear it in political speeches, legal contexts, and formal literature, but it is equally common in everyday conversations when discussing someone's character or the quality of a performance. For instance, a film 'digne d'un Oscar' is one that meets the high standards of such an award.
Elle a conservé un air digne malgré l'échec cuisant.
- The Negation: Indigne
- To understand 'digne', it helps to look at its opposite, 'indigne'. If 'digne' is worthy, 'indigne' is shameful or unworthy. Calling someone's behavior 'indigne' is a very strong criticism in French, implying they have failed to meet the basic standards of human decency or professional conduct.
In summary, 'digne' is a word that bridges the gap between external evaluation (merit) and internal character (honor). Whether you are praising a friend's reliability or describing a queen's posture, 'digne' provides the necessary nuance of respect and deservedness that defines high-quality interactions in the French-speaking world.
Using digne correctly requires attention to its grammatical environment, specifically its relationship with the preposition de. Unlike some adjectives that can stand alone freely, 'digne' often acts as a bridge to a noun or a verb that specifies what the subject is worthy of. This section explores the structural patterns you will encounter most frequently.
- Pattern 1: Digne de + Noun
- This is the most common construction. It links a person or object to a quality or reward they deserve. Common nouns include 'confiance' (trust), 'respect' (respect), 'attention' (attention), and 'intérêt' (interest). Example: 'C'est un projet digne d'intérêt' (It is a project worthy of interest).
Votre courage est digne d'éloges.
- Pattern 2: Digne de + Infinitive Verb
- You can also use 'digne' to say that something is worth doing. In this case, 'de' is followed by an infinitive. For instance, 'Une histoire digne d'être racontée' (A story worthy of being told). Note that we often use the passive infinitive (être + past participle) in this structure.
- Pattern 3: Digne as an Absolute Adjective
- When 'digne' is used without 'de', it describes a person's character or appearance. It means 'dignified'. It usually follows the verb 'être' or a linking verb like 'sembler' (to seem) or 'paraître' (to appear). Example: 'Elle est restée digne face à l'insulte' (She remained dignified in the face of the insult).
Il a une allure digne et imposante.
Placement is also key. While most French adjectives follow the noun, 'digne' almost always does so when it is part of a phrase ('un homme digne de foi'). If used alone to mean 'dignified', it also follows the noun ('un regard digne'). Be careful not to confuse it with 'deigne', which is a conjugated form of the verb 'daigner' (to deign/condescend).
The word digne is not just a relic of formal literature; it is a living part of the French language found in various domains of life. From the evening news to professional evaluations, its presence signals a judgment of quality or character.
- In Professional and Academic Settings
- In a workplace, 'digne' is used to validate competence or reliability. A manager might describe a report as 'digne d'un expert' (worthy of an expert). In academic circles, a thesis might be 'digne de mention' (worthy of mention/distinction). It carries a weight of formal approval.
Son travail est digne des plus grands chercheurs.
- In Media and Journalism
- Journalists often use the phrase 'digne de ce nom' (worthy of the name) to criticize or praise an institution. For example, 'Une démocratie digne de ce nom doit protéger la liberté de la presse' (A democracy worthy of the name must protect press freedom). It is a standard rhetorical tool to establish benchmarks.
- In Legal and Ethical Discourse
- The concept of 'dignité humaine' (human dignity) is central to French law. In courtrooms or ethical debates (such as those regarding end-of-life care), 'digne' is used to describe a life or a death that maintains the inherent respect due to a human being. 'Mourir dans la dignité' (to die with dignity) is a very common and poignant phrase.
Chaque individu a droit à une vie digne.
Finally, in daily social life, 'digne' appears in idioms like 'digne de foi' (trustworthy/credible). If someone tells you a story that seems unbelievable, you might ask if the source is 'digne de foi'. It is a way of questioning the reliability of information without being overtly aggressive.
Even though digne is a relatively straightforward adjective, English speakers often stumble over its specific nuances, prepositional requirements, and phonetic similarities to other words. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural.
- Mistake 1: Forgetting the 'de'
- In English, we say 'worthy of' or sometimes just 'worthy'. In French, if 'digne' is followed by a complement, the 'de' is mandatory. Saying 'C'est digne l'attention' is incorrect; it must be 'C'est digne de l'attention'.
Faux: Il est digne ma confiance.
Vrai: Il est digne de ma confiance.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 'Digne' with 'Mérité'
- While both relate to merit, 'mérité' is a past participle used to describe something that has been earned (like a 'succès mérité'). 'Digne' describes the person or thing that *deserves* it. You are 'digne d'un prix' (worthy of a prize), and the prize you receive is 'mérité' (deserved).
- Mistake 3: Overusing it for 'Worth'
- If you want to say 'It is worth 5 euros', do NOT use 'digne'. Use 'valoir' ('Ça vaut 5 euros'). 'Digne' is for moral or qualitative worth, not monetary value. Similarly, for 'It is worth seeing', use 'Ça vaut la peine de voir' or 'C'est à voir'.
Faux: Ce film est digne 10 euros.
Vrai: Ce film vaut 10 euros.
Finally, remember gender agreement. While 'digne' looks the same in masculine and feminine singular, the plural is 'dignes'. 'Ils sont dignes de respect'. Forgetting the 's' in writing is a common mistake for learners.
To truly master digne, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in register and meaning. French offers several ways to express worthiness, each with its own flavor.
- Valable vs. Digne
- 'Valable' usually means 'valid' or 'acceptable'. It is more functional. A 'raison valable' is a valid reason. 'Digne' is more elevated; a 'raison digne' would imply a reason that has moral weight or nobility.
Son argument est valable, mais son attitude n'est pas digne.
- Méritant vs. Digne
- 'Méritant' is often used for people who work hard and deserve success (deserving/meritorious). 'Digne' focuses more on the inherent quality or the match between the person and the reward. You might call a poor student who works three jobs 'méritant'.
- Respectable vs. Digne
- 'Respectable' is a close synonym, but it often implies social standing or decency. 'Digne' is more about the internal state of honor. A person can be 'respectable' because they have a good job, but 'digne' because they handle tragedy with grace.
Other alternatives include 'honorable' (honorable), 'estimable' (estimable/worthy of esteem), and 'noble' (noble). In literary contexts, you might see 'laudable' (praiseworthy). Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the person's effort (méritant), their social status (respectable), or their inherent quality (digne).
چقدر رسمی است؟
نکته جالب
The word 'digne' is the root of the English word 'dignity', but also 'deign' and 'disdain' (from 'desdaigner').
راهنمای تلفظ
- Pronouncing 'gn' as 'g' + 'n' (like 'dig-ne'). It should be one sound.
- Confusing it with 'dingue' (/dɛ̃ɡ/), which means crazy.
- Making the 'i' sound too short like 'dig'. It should be a tense 'ee' sound.
- Over-pronouncing the final 'e' as 'uh'. In modern French, it's very faint.
- Confusing it with 'digne' (verb form of daigner), though they sound similar.
سطح دشواری
Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'dignity'.
Requires remembering the preposition 'de' and the 'gn' spelling.
The 'gn' sound (/ɲ/) can be tricky for English speakers.
Must distinguish from 'dingue' or 'ligne'.
بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟
پیشنیازها
بعداً یاد بگیرید
پیشرفته
مثالها بر اساس سطح
Il est digne de confiance.
He is trustworthy.
digne de + noun
Elle est très digne.
She is very dignified.
adjective used alone
C'est un cadeau digne d'un ami.
It's a gift worthy of a friend.
digne d' + noun starting with vowel
Tu es digne de ce prix.
You are worthy of this prize.
subject + être + digne de
Le chien est digne d'une récompense.
The dog is worthy of a reward.
noun + digne de
C'est une personne digne.
It is a dignified person.
adjective after noun
Soyez digne !
Be dignified!
imperative mood
Il n'est pas digne de toi.
He is not worthy of you.
negation with ne...pas
Ce film est digne d'intérêt.
This movie is worthy of interest.
digne d'intérêt is a common phrase
C'est un travail digne d'un professionnel.
It is a work worthy of a professional.
comparison of quality
Elle a une attitude digne.
She has a dignified attitude.
describing behavior
Il est digne de porter ce nom.
He is worthy of bearing this name.
digne de + infinitive
Votre aide est digne de remerciements.
Your help is worthy of thanks.
abstract noun complement
Ils sont dignes de notre respect.
They are worthy of our respect.
plural agreement (dignes)
Ce n'est pas digne d'un élève de cette école.
It's not worthy of a student from this school.
standard setting
Elle est restée digne malgré la défaite.
She remained dignified despite the defeat.
adverbial phrase 'malgré'
C'est un monument digne d'être visité.
It's a monument worthy of being visited.
digne d'être + past participle
Il cherche un adversaire digne de lui.
He is looking for an opponent worthy of him.
digne de + pronoun
Cette nouvelle est digne de faire la une.
This news is worthy of making the front page.
digne de + infinitive
Il n'y a pas de démocratie digne de ce nom sans liberté.
There is no democracy worthy of the name without freedom.
idiom: digne de ce nom
Elle s'est montrée digne de la situation.
She showed herself worthy of the situation.
se montrer + digne
C'est une offre digne d'être examinée.
It's an offer worthy of being examined.
passive infinitive
Il a agi d'une manière digne.
He acted in a dignified manner.
adverbial phrase with 'manière'
Est-ce que cette source est digne de foi ?
Is this source trustworthy?
idiom: digne de foi
Son discours était digne d'un grand homme d'État.
His speech was worthy of a great statesman.
comparative merit
Ils ont mené un combat digne de leurs ancêtres.
They fought a battle worthy of their ancestors.
historical reference
L'accusé a conservé un silence digne.
The accused maintained a dignified silence.
silence digne is a collocation
Ce comportement est indigne d'un officier.
This behavior is unworthy of an officer.
antonym: indigne
Elle a reçu un accueil digne d'une reine.
She received a welcome worthy of a queen.
simile with digne
Il faut assurer une fin de vie digne aux patients.
A dignified end of life must be ensured for patients.
ethical context
Le projet n'est pas encore digne de financement.
The project is not yet worthy of funding.
financial worthiness
C'est un spectacle digne des plus grandes scènes mondiales.
It's a show worthy of the world's greatest stages.
superlative context
Sa réaction fut digne de la tragédie qui se jouait.
Her reaction was worthy of the tragedy unfolding.
literary register
Il a su rester digne dans l'adversité la plus totale.
He managed to remain dignified in total adversity.
abstract noun 'adversité'
Cette œuvre est digne de figurer dans les plus grands musées.
This work is worthy of appearing in the greatest museums.
digne de + figurer (elevated verb)
L'éloquence du ministre était digne de Cicéron.
The minister's eloquence was worthy of Cicero.
classical allusion
Il s'agit d'une cause digne de tous les sacrifices.
It is a cause worthy of all sacrifices.
moral weight
Leur dévouement est digne d'admiration.
Their dedication is worthy of admiration.
digne d'admiration (collocation)
On ne saurait être digne de commander sans savoir obéir.
One cannot be worthy of commanding without knowing how to obey.
philosophical maxim
C'est une réponse digne de son rang.
It is a response worthy of his rank.
social status context
L'austérité de son style est digne de la prose classique.
The austerity of his style is worthy of classical prose.
stylistic analysis
Elle a affronté l'opprobre avec une contenance digne.
She faced the disgrace with a dignified countenance.
rare vocabulary (opprobre, contenance)
Rien n'est plus digne de l'homme que la quête de la vérité.
Nothing is more worthy of man than the quest for truth.
rhetorical 'rien n'est plus...'
L'arrêt de la cour est digne de faire jurisprudence.
The court's ruling is worthy of setting a precedent.
legal terminology
C'est un épilogue digne d'un roman de Balzac.
It's an epilogue worthy of a Balzac novel.
literary comparison
Sa probité le rend digne des plus hautes fonctions.
His integrity makes him worthy of the highest offices.
probité (high-level synonym for honesty)
Il a fait preuve d'une abnégation digne de respect.
He showed a self-sacrifice worthy of respect.
abnégation (advanced noun)
Sa vie fut un sacerdoce digne de mémoire.
His life was a priesthood worthy of memory.
metaphorical usage
مترادفها
متضادها
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
— To show oneself worthy of something (like a responsibility).
Il a reçu une promotion et veut s'en montrer digne.
— That is typical of him/her (usually used for good things, but can be ironic).
Il a aidé sans rien demander, c'est bien digne de lui.
— Worthy of being mentioned or quoted.
C'est un exemple digne d'être cité dans votre rapport.
— Worthy to follow/succeed someone.
Il est digne de succéder à son père à la tête de l'entreprise.
اصطلاحات و عبارات
— Truly deserving of the title or category; genuine.
Un ami digne de ce nom ne te laisserait pas tomber.
neutral— Credible; reliable (usually for information or witnesses).
Le témoin est jugé digne de foi par la cour.
formal— Incredible or dramatic enough to be in a book.
Sa vie est une aventure digne d'un roman.
neutral— Beneath the dignity of someone; shameful for them.
C'est une insulte indigne d'un professeur.
neutral— Of such high quality that it deserves an award.
Sa réaction de surprise était digne d'un Oscar !
informal/figurative— Memorable; worthy of being remembered by history.
C'est un événement digne de mémoire.
formal— Pathetic; inspiring pity (sometimes used condescendingly).
Son excuse est digne de pitié.
neutral— Worthy of one's lineage or family (archaic/literary).
Il s'est battu avec un courage digne de son sang.
literaryخانواده کلمه
اسمها
فعلها
صفتها
مرتبط
حفظ کنید
روش یادسپاری
Think of a 'Dignified' person who is 'Worthy' of a 'Design' award. Digne sounds like the start of Dignified.
تداعی تصویری
Imagine a queen sitting straight on her throne (dignified/digne) or a gold medal (worthy/digne).
شبکه واژگان
چالش
Try to use 'digne de' three times today: once for a person, once for a movie/book, and once for a goal.
ریشه کلمه
From the Latin adjective 'dignus', meaning 'worthy' or 'appropriate'.
معنای اصلی: Deserving of something, whether reward or punishment.
Romance (Latin root).بافت فرهنگی
Be careful when calling someone 'indigne'; it is a very strong insult to their character.
In English, 'worthy' can sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned or religious. In French, 'digne' is very common and used in many modern, neutral contexts.
Summary
The word 'digne' is your go-to French adjective for expressing merit and honor. Whether you're describing a trustworthy friend ('digne de confiance') or a dignified reaction to a loss, it conveys a high level of respect. Example: 'Il est digne de ce poste.'
- Digne primarily means 'worthy' or 'deserving' of something, often used with the preposition 'de'.
- It also describes a person who is 'dignified', showing self-respect and honor in their actions.
- Commonly found in phrases like 'digne de confiance' (trustworthy) and 'digne de ce nom' (worthy of the name).
- It is a formal to neutral adjective that agrees in number but not in gender in the singular.
محتوای مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر family
à charge
B2تحت تکفل؛ فردی از خانواده که از نظر مالی توسط دیگری حمایت میشود.
à deux
A2دو نفره؛ با هم به عنوان یک جفت.
à domicile
A2در منزل
à jamais
A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
B2Dependent on; at the expense of.
à la mémoire de
B2به یاد؛ عبارتی رسمی که برای بزرگداشت فردی که درگذشته است به کار میرود.
à la place de
B21. به جای چای همیشگی ام، قهوه خوردم. 2. معلم به جای امتحان، تمرین اضافی به من داد.
à l'amiable
B2Amicably, by mutual agreement.
à l'égard de
A2With regard to; concerning.
à l'image de
B2به تصویرِ؛ مانندِ.