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

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

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

Scotland battled hard and deserved a point after a shaky start where they continually failed to keep the ball.

From BBC

This landmark legislation will be game changing for millions of people stuck in insecure and low-paid work, giving them the dignity and security they don't just need but also deserve.

From BBC

The Huntington gardens receive a lot of credit, which they deserve, but there are so many hidden gems in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The Heritage American movement maintains that those Americans whose ancestors have been here for generations are more deserving of this nation’s riches than those of us whose families came over within living memory.

From Los Angeles Times

Parents were told "lower than expected numbers" meant the curriculum would be "too adversely affected" to provide A level students with "the experience they require and deserve".

From BBC

Related Words

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