deign
verb (used without object)
to think it appropriate to or in accordance with one's dignity; condescend.
deigning
-
present participleof deign.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The love of ambiguity can feel somewhat coy—Ms. Tokarczuk gestures toward the existence of occult mysteries without deigning to fully portray them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025
An interlude satirizing the stultifying fatuousness of the royal mission is followed by one that fawningly celebrates the magnificence of Diana deigning to speak to Welsh well-wishers.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 17, 2021
We need not, in the end, thank Hollywood, or American culture, for deigning to reflect some minuscule part of ourselves on TV, nor need we ask for more, or for better.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2020
In 2013, she made waves by appearing on the cover of the September issue of Vogue without deigning to give the customary interview that went with it.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 27, 2016
He fussed over my condescension in deigning to learn anything about his country.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
