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- DictionaryDe·serve/dəˈzərv/
verb
- 1. do something or have or show qualities worthy of (reward or punishment): "the referee deserves a pat on the back for his bravery"
The meaning of DESERVE is to be worthy of : merit. How to use deserve in a sentence.
Deserve definition: to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation. See examples of DESERVE used in a sentence.
to have earned something or be given something because of your actions or qualities: [ T ] These charities deserve your support. [ + to infinitive ] The American people deserve to know what went wrong. [ T ] I hope those crooks get what they deserve (= receive a punishment that suits their crime).
to have earned something or be given something because of your actions or qualities: [ T ] These charities deserve your support. [ + to infinitive ] The American people deserve to know what went wrong. [ T ] I hope those crooks get what they deserve (= receive a punishment that suits their crime).
Deserve is used in many ways, but it always carries a sense of balance or justice. If someone receives an award for their work, it means they deserve praise and attention. If you deserve a day off, it means you've been working hard and have earned a vacation.
to do something or show qualities that mean a particular reaction, reward or punishment is appropriate. deserve something You deserve a rest after all that hard work. The report deserves careful consideration. This idea deserves more attention. One player in particular deserves a mention.
1. to merit, qualify for, or have a claim to (reward, punishment, aid, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or circumstances: to deserve a pay raise; to deserve exile. v.i. 2. to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, etc.: an idea deserving of study.
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. intransitive verb.
To have a right to because of acts or qualities; be worthy of (reward, punishment, etc.); merit.
If you deserve something good or bad, it should happen to you because of the way you have behaved: The school deserves praise for the way it has raised standards. [ + to do sth ] He deserves to be locked up for life. Fewer examples.
