Deserve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Deserve
Deserve (verb)
- to be worthy of, merit
- to be worthy, fit, or suitable for some reward or requital
Deserve (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment)
"the team really deserved that victory after the way they played"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Deserve
The most common words with a similar meaning to Deserve:
Word Forms of Deserve
Inflections: deserved, deserving
Derived words: deserver (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Deserve
Middle English deserven, disserven "to be worthy of, attain what one deserves," borrowed from Anglo-French deservir, desservir, deserver "to deserve, merit, earn, be entitled to" (also continental Old & Middle French), going back to Medieval Latin dēservīre "to serve, officiate (at mass), hold land by service, earn, deserve," going back to Latin, "to spend one's time in, devote oneself (to pursuits, interests), be submissive to, comply with," from dē- de- + servīre "to perform duties for (a master) in the capacity of a slave, act in subservience, be at the service of" serve:1
First known use: 13th centuryt
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Deserve
- CEFR level: B2 English Vocabulary — Page 7
- Topics: Ethics & Values
Words & Phrases Containing Deserve
Frequently Asked Questions about Deserve
What does "Deserve" mean?
"Deserve" means to be worthy of, merit. As a verb, it is defined as: to be worthy of, merit.
What is another word for "Deserve"?
Other words for "Deserve" include earn, merit and rate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Deserve" you intend.
How do you use "Deserve" in a sentence?
Examples of "Deserve" in a sentence: "the team really deserved that victory after the way they played".
Is "Deserve" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Deserve" is a verb.
Is "Deserve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B2-level word, "Deserve" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.
How do you pronounce "Deserve"?
"Deserve" is pronounced /di-ˈzərv/ and divided into syllables as de·serve.
What is the origin of the word "Deserve"?
"Deserve" comes from Middle English deserven, disserven "to be worthy of, attain what one deserves," borrowed from Anglo-French deservir, desservir, deserver "to deserve, merit, earn, be entitled to" (also continental Old & Middle French), going back to Medieval Latin dēservīre "to serve, officiate (at mass), hold land by service, earn, deserve," going back to Latin, "to spend one's time in, devote oneself (to pursuits, interests), be submissive to, comply with," from dē- de- + servīre "to perform duties for (a master) in the capacity of a slave, act in subservience, be at the service of" serve:1. First known use: 13th centuryt.
What is another word for "Deserve" meaning "to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment)"?
When "Deserve" (verb) means to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment), synonyms include earn, merit and rate.