Meaning & Definition of word "Deign"
to
Deign
/deɪn/
verb:
- 1. to do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity.
- Example: She would not deign to respond to his insulting remarks.
- 2. to condescend to give something; to grant something.
- Example: He did not deign to look at the crowd when he entered the room.
- 3. to condescend to accept something.
- Example: The queen deigned to speak with the commoners during the parade.
Etymology
Middle English deignen, from Old French deignier, from Latin dignari, meaning 'to deem worthy'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
deign to notice:
to lower oneself to acknowledge someone or something considered unworthy.
wouldn't deign:
would not lower oneself to a task or action considered beneath them.
Related Words
dignity:
the state of being worthy of honor or respect.
deigningly:
in a manner that is condescending or patronizing.
Slang Meanings of deign
Meaning: to consider oneself too good for something
Example Sentence: He acts like he’s too good to help, like he wouldn’t even deign to assist us.