'dignification' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dignificare' (a verbal formation from 'dignus' + 'facere'), where 'dignus' meant 'worthy' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'dignification' developed in English via Late Latin/medieval Latin 'dignificatio' and the verb 'dignificare'; the English verb 'dignify' came into Late Middle English (via Old French/Latin influences), and the noun 'dignification' was formed in English from that verb with the suffix '-ation'.

Initially it meant 'to make worthy' (literally 'to confer worth'), and over time it came to be used for both the act/process of conferring dignity and for formal or ceremonial measures that add gravitas; the core sense of 'conferring worth or honor' has been retained.