deserve

American  

[dih-zurv] / dɪˈzɜrv /

verb (used with object)

deserved, deserving

1. to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation.

   to deserve exile; to deserve charity; a theory that deserves consideration.

   Synonyms:

   justify, warrant, rate

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verb (used without object)

deserved, deserving

1. to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, recompense, etc..

   to reward him as he deserves; an idea deserving of study.

deserve British  

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪdnɪs, dɪˈzɜːv /

verb

1. (tr) to be entitled to or worthy of; merit

2. obsolete to be worthy

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deserve Idioms  

1. see one good turn deserves another.

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Other Word Forms

• deserved adjective
• deservedness noun
• deserver noun
• predeserve verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of deserve

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English deserven, from Anglo-French, Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre “to devote oneself to the service of,” equivalent to dē- de- + servīre “to serve” ( serve )

Example Sentences

“Our Boo deserves better than those two clowns,” she says.

From Literature

"The data-driven classification unexpectedly discovered two previously undefined fat distribution types that deserve greater attention."

From Science Daily

“We are transparent because our supporters and Angelenos deserve nothing less — and because we are proud of the work you support.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The American people deserve to know what happened," he added.

From Barron's

While everyone seems laser-focused on the rally in hard commodities like gold and silver, so-called soft commodities deserve just as much attention.

From Barron's

Related Words

• earn
• gain
• get
• justify
• merit
• warrant
• win