Dignity vs. Esteem — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 7, 2024
Dignity refers to inherent worth and respect every individual possesses, while esteem is admiration or respect earned through actions or achievements.
Difference Between Dignity and Esteem
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Dignity is an inherent quality that every person holds, emphasizing the intrinsic worth and respect that should be accorded to all individuals, regardless of their status, achievements, or failures. It underlines a fundamental aspect of human rights and ethics, suggesting that respect for an individual should not be contingent on external factors. Esteem, on the other hand, is an evaluative respect or admiration that one earns through accomplishments, behavior, or specific qualities. It is often conditional, based on the perceptions and judgments of others towards an individual's actions or achievements.
While dignity is universal and inalienable, applying equally to all people, esteem varies from person to person and can fluctuate based on one's actions, achievements, or how others perceive these actions. Dignity does not need to be earned; it is a basic right that every individual inherently possesses from birth. Esteem, however, is earned and can increase or decrease over time depending on one's conduct and the values of the society in which one lives.
Dignity serves as the foundation for ethical treatment and mutual respect among individuals in any society. It demands that every person be treated with respect, care, and consideration, regardless of their circumstances or contributions. Esteem, conversely, influences one's social standing and can impact relationships, opportunities, and how one is treated by others. It plays a significant role in social dynamics, often affecting how individuals interact with one another.
The recognition and protection of dignity are crucial for the development of fair and just societies, where every individual’s rights are acknowledged and protected. It is a concept deeply embedded in legal and human rights discourses, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and without discrimination. Esteem, while important for personal and professional development, relates more to social and psychological aspects of human interaction, reflecting admiration and respect for someone's qualities or achievements.
In terms of personal development, dignity can be seen as a grounding principle, reminding individuals of their inherent worth irrespective of external achievements or failures. It encourages resilience and a sense of self-respect that does not depend on external validation. Esteem, however, is often sought after as a form of external validation, encouraging individuals to strive for achievements and behaviors that are valued by their society or community.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
The inherent worth and respect every individual possesses
Admiration or respect earned through actions or achievements
Basis
Inherent and universal
Earned and conditional
Application
Applies equally to all individuals
Varies from person to person
Importance
Fundamental for ethical treatment and human rights
Influences social standing and relationships
Role in Society
Ensures fair treatment and mutual respect
Affects social dynamics and interactions
Compare with Definitions
Dignity
The state of being worthy of honor or respect.
Despite her circumstances, she carried herself with dignity.
Esteem
Dependent on achievements or qualities.
His honesty and integrity earned him the esteem of his peers.
Dignity
Inherent worth that does not need to be earned.
Human dignity is a basic right recognized worldwide.
Esteem
Affects one’s social and professional standing.
Artists of high esteem often have more opportunities for exhibitions.
Dignity
Remains constant regardless of external factors.
He maintained his dignity in the face of adversity.
Esteem
Respect and admiration earned through one’s actions.
The scientist gained great esteem after her discovery.
Dignity
A principle guiding ethical and respectful treatment.
The new policy was designed to uphold the dignity of all employees.
Esteem
Can fluctuate based on behavior or societal values.
Public esteem for the politician waned after the scandal.
Dignity
Fundamental to human rights discussions.
Dignity plays a central role in debates about social justice.
Esteem
Sought as a form of validation.
Achieving esteem in one’s field can be highly motivating.
Dignity
Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake, and to be treated ethically. It is of significance in morality, ethics, law and politics as an extension of the Enlightenment-era concepts of inherent, inalienable rights.
Esteem
To set a high value on; to regard with respect or reverence.
Dignity
The state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect
The dignity of labour
Esteem
To look upon something in a particular way.
Mary is an esteemed member of the community.
Dignity
Inherent nobility and worth
The dignity of honest labor.
Esteem
(obsolete) To judge; to estimate; to appraise
The Earth, which I esteem unable to reflect the rays of the Sun.
Dignity
Dignities The ceremonial symbols and observances attached to high office.
Esteem
To form an estimate; to have regard to the value; to consider.
We ourselves esteem not of that obedience, or love, or gift, which is of force.
Dignity
High office, rank, or station.
Esteem
The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);
It is held in esteem
A man who has earned high regard
Dignity
A composed or serious manner or style
He bowed with great dignity
Esteem
To regard with respect; prize.
Dignity
The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
Esteem
To regard as; consider
Esteemed it an honor to help them.
Dignity
Poise and self-respect.
Esteem
Favorable regard; respect.
Dignity
Stateliness and formality in manner and appearance.
Esteem
(Archaic) Judgment; opinion.
Dignity
The respect and honor associated with an important position.
Esteem
Favourable regard.
We hold her in high esteem.
Dignity
A high office or rank.
Esteem
To regard something as valuable; to prize.
Dignity
(Archaic) A dignitary.
Esteem
To set a value on; to appreciate the worth of; to estimate; to value; to reckon.
Then he forsook God, which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
Thou shouldst (gentle reader) esteem his censure and authority to be of the more weighty credence.
Famous men, - whose scientific attainments were esteemed hardly less than supernatural.
Dignity
The state of being dignified or worthy of esteem: elevation of mind or character.
Esteem
To set a high value on; to prize; to regard with reverence, respect, or friendship.
Will he esteem thy riches?
You talk kindlier: we esteem you for it.
Dignity
Decorum, formality, stateliness.
Esteem
Estimation; opinion of merit or value; hence, valuation; reckoning; price.
Most dear in the esteemAnd poor in worth!
I will deliver you, in ready coin,The full and dear'st esteem of what you crave.
Dignity
One holding high rank; a dignitary.
Esteem
High estimation or value; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Nor should thy prowess want praise and esteem.
Dignity
(obsolete) Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim.
Esteem
A feeling of delighted approval and liking
Dignity
(euphemistic) The male genitalia. en
Esteem
An attitude of admiration or esteem;
She lost all respect for him
Dignity
The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind or character; true worth; excellence.
Esteem
Regard highly; think much of;
I respect his judgement
We prize his creativity
Dignity
Elevation; grandeur.
The dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings.
Esteem
Look on as or consider;
She looked on this affair as a joke
He thinks of himself as a brilliant musician
He is reputed to be intelligent
Dignity
Elevated rank; honorable station; high office, political or ecclesiastical; degree of excellence; preferment; exaltation.
And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this?
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, . . . the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.
Dignity
Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence; loftiness and grace; impressiveness; stateliness; - said of mien, manner, style, etc.
A letter written with singular energy and dignity of thought and language.
Dignity
One holding high rank; a dignitary.
These filthy dreamers . . . speak evil of dignities.
Dignity
Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim.
Sciences concluding from dignities, and principles known by themselves.
They did not stand upon their dignity, nor give their minds to being or to seeming as elegant and as fine as anybody else.
Dignity
The quality of being worthy of esteem or respect;
It was beneath his dignity to cheat
Showed his true dignity when under pressure
Dignity
Formality in bearing and appearance;
He behaved with great dignity
Dignity
High office or rank or station;
He respected the dignity of the emissaries
Common Curiosities
Can dignity be lost?
Dignity is inherent and universal; it cannot be lost, though it can be violated by the actions of others.
Why is dignity important?
Dignity is crucial for ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and without discrimination, forming the basis of human rights.
What is esteem?
Esteem is admiration or respect that one earns through actions, behavior, or achievements.
What is dignity?
Dignity refers to the inherent worth and respect that every individual naturally possesses, regardless of external factors.
How does one earn esteem?
Esteem is earned through accomplishments, behavior, and the demonstration of admirable qualities.
How can dignity be protected?
Dignity can be protected through laws, policies, and societal norms that ensure everyone is treated with respect and fairness.
Why might esteem vary from person to person?
Esteem varies based on individual achievements, qualities, and how these are valued by different societies or communities.
Can esteem affect one's dignity?
While esteem can influence social standing and relationships, it does not alter an individual’s inherent dignity.
Can everyone have dignity?
Yes, everyone has dignity by virtue of being human, and it applies universally.
Is esteem always positive?
Esteem is generally positive, reflecting respect and admiration, but it requires continuous effort to maintain.
How are dignity and esteem related?
Both relate to respect and worth, but dignity is inherent, while esteem is earned and can change over time.
What role does society play in esteem?
Society plays a significant role in determining the qualities and achievements that are esteemed.
Can a person’s actions affect their dignity?
A person’s actions can affect how their dignity is respected by others, but not the inherent dignity they possess.
What impact does loss of esteem have?
Loss of esteem can lead to decreased social standing, opportunities, and potentially affect one’s psychological well-being.
How do dignity and esteem influence behavior?
Dignity can foster a sense of self-worth and respect for others, while seeking esteem can motivate achievements and ethical behavior.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Inherently vs. Intrinsically
Next Comparison
Per vs. EveryAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
