indigno

Indigno is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe someone or something that does not deserve merit, honor, or trust, and that is morally or socially questionable. In Spanish, it can refer to a person, an action, or a situation considered lacking dignity or worthy of condemnation. In Portuguese, the sense is similar and the term appears in both formal and everyday language.

Etymology and grammar: Indigno derives from the Latin indignus, meaning unworthy. In Spanish, the adjective agrees with gender and number: masculine singular indigno, feminine singular indigna, masculine plural indignos, feminine plural indignas. The noun form indignidad (indignity) is used to denote the quality or state of being unworthy.

Usage and examples: The expression often appears with a preposition to indicate what is undeserving, such as “indigno de confianza” (unworthy of trust) or “acciones indignas” (disgraceful actions). Other common phrases include “trato indigno” (unworthy treatment) or “un hombre indigno” (an unworthy man). In religious or moral discourse, one may encounter phrases like “indigno de recibir la comunión,” though such usage can be formal or polemical.

Synonyms and antonyms: Common synonyms include deshonroso, indecoroso, despreciable. Antonyms center on worthiness: digno, merecedor, honorable. The choice of synonym often carries nuance about the degree or context of unworthiness.

Notes: Indigno is more formal or literary in tone and can convey moral judgment. Its precise meaning can shift slightly with context, from personal character to conduct or treatment.