Meaning & Definition of word "Deign"
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.