verb

deign

dayn

verb

To agree to do something considered beneath one's dignity or status.

"The celebrity finally deigned to answer a few questions from fans."

"He didn't even deign to look up from his phone."

How to Use Deign

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo lower yourself to do something you consider beneath you — usually said with a hint of sarcasm about someone's arrogance.

When to use it

Almost always used ironically or critically, implying the subject thinks too highly of themselves.

Common pairings

deign to reply deign to notice

Word Forms

deigned past tense, deign plural, deigned plural, deigns singular, deign singular, deigned singular, deignest singular, deignedst singular, deigneth singular

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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

feign reign foreign sovereign

See all rhymes for deign →