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
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
Suddenly, the former president lifted his right arm into the air, his fingers extended backward, snapping them without, however, deigning to look at the man behind him.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2018
Later, his photography business would employ as many as 50 people, Nadar only deigning to go behind the camera for celebrities and friends.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 19, 2017
He fussed over my condescension in deigning to learn anything about his country.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
