Deserve

/dɪˈzɜːv/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.
2. (obsolete) To earn, win.
3. (obsolete) To reward, to give in return for service.
4. (obsolete) To serve; to treat; to benefit.

Example Sentences

After playing so well, the team really deserved their win.

After what he did, he deserved to go to prison.

We don't think your article deserves reading.

God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.

John Gay deserved to be a favourite.

the grantees named in the questioned deed executed by their father richly deserved receiving the family home.

Perhaps they do, but they don't deserve that the rest of us contribute money or appropriate public funds for the purchase of pictures and the construction of buildings.

That gentle Lady, whom I loue and serue, / After long suit and weary seruicis, / Did aske me, how I could her loue deserue, / And how she might be sure, that I would neuer swerue.

Synonyms for deserve

Antonyms for deserve

Related Words

Word Forms

• deserves
• deserving
• deserved

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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