deign — to do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity; to condescend
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity; to condescend
Pronunciation (IPA): /deɪn/
Example Sentences
- My cat doesn't deign to eat regular cat food anymore; she demands only the premium salmon pâté.
- The professor rarely deigned to notice undergraduate students during his lectures.
- Will you deign to join us commoners for pizza, Your Highness?
deign
VERB[/deɪn/]
to do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity; to condescend
The queen finally deigned to greet the humble farmer at her palace gate.
A king may deign to end your pain, but loses his reign.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'deigner', derived from Latin 'dignari' meaning 'to deem worthy', related to 'dignus' meaning 'worthy'. The word entered Middle English through Norman French influence.
Breakdown
de- (from) + -ign (worthy, from Latin dignaris) = deign (to consider worthy enough to do)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat doesn't deign to eat regular cat food anymore; she demands only the premium salmon pâté.”
“The professor rarely deigned to notice undergraduate students during his lectures.”
“Will you deign to join us commoners for pizza, Your Highness?”
“She didn't deign to acknowledge his apology with even a glance.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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