deign
Deign (verb) means to agree to do something considered beneath one's dignity or status. Example: “The celebrity finally deigned to answer a few questions from fans.”
How to use deign
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lower yourself to do something you consider beneath you — usually said with a hint of sarcasm about someone's arrogance.
Almost always used ironically or critically, implying the subject thinks too highly of themselves.
Word forms
deigned past tense, deign plural, deigned plural, deigns singular, deign singular, deigned singular, deignest singular, deignedst singular, deigneth singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The celebrity finally _____ to answer a few questions from fans.
Etymology
From Old French daigner, from Latin dignāre ("to deem worthy"), from dignus ("worthy, fitting").
Rhymes for deign
See all rhymes for deign →Frequently asked questions
What does “deign” mean?
The word “deign” means to agree to do something considered beneath one's dignity or status. In plain terms, to lower yourself to do something you consider beneath you — usually said with a hint of sarcasm about someone's arrogance.
How do you pronounce “deign”?
“Deign” is pronounced dayn (/deɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “deign” in a sentence?
Here is “deign” used in a sentence: “The celebrity finally deigned to answer a few questions from fans.”
What part of speech is “deign”?
“Deign” is a verb.
Where does the word “deign” come from?
The word “deign” comes from Latin. From Old French daigner, from Latin dignāre ("to deem worthy"), from dignus ("worthy, fitting").