What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dignitary
Example
The dignitaries arrived at the airport to attend the international summit. [dignitaries: noun]
Example
The Nobel laureate was a dignitary in the scientific community. [dignitary: noun]
official
Example
The official announcement will be made tomorrow by the spokesperson. [official: adjective]
Example
The ambassador is an official representative of their country. [official: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Official is more commonly used than dignitary in everyday language. Official is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dignitary is less common and refers to a person of high rank or importance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dignitary and official?
While official is typically associated with a formal and bureaucratic tone, dignitary is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
