deserve

[dih-zurv]

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

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

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪdnɪs, dɪˈzɜːv /

verb

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

2. obsolete,  to be worthy

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserve¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserve¹

C13: from Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre to serve devotedly, from _de- + servīre to _serve

Idioms and Phrases

see one good turn deserves another.

Example Sentences

Perhaps one of your other top picks deserves a second look.

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Do you think you're given maybe the credit that you deserve for your time?

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“I knew that I was part of something really important and that it deserved all of me,” she says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Jeannette Rankin deserves a place in history, but perhaps one described at a calmer pace.

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The extra money would help in my adventures to new places, as well as take care of my father the way he deserves.

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Related Words

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