deign

[ deyn ]

verb (used without object)

1. to think it appropriate to or in accordance with one's dignity; condescend:

   He would not deign to discuss the matter with us.

verb (used with object)

1. to condescend to give or grant:

   He deigned no reply.

2. Obsolete. to condescend to accept.

deign

/ deɪn /

verb

1. intr to think it fit or worthy of oneself (to do something); condescend

   he will not deign to speak to us

2. archaic.
   tr to vouchsafe

   he deigned no reply

Word History and Origins

Origin of deign¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English deinen, de(i)gnen, from Old French de(i)gnier, from Latin dignārī, dignāre “to judge worthy,” equivalent to dign(us) “worthy” + -ārī infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of deign¹

C13: from Old French deignier, from Latin dignārī to consider worthy, from dignus worthy

Example Sentences

Her dazzling turn in Hustlers—as the Lucite-cool veteran stripper queen Ramona—once again reminded moviegoers how much Lopez has to offer as a dramatic actor, even if the Academy didn’t deign to notice.

From Time

An interlude satirizing the stultifying fatuousness of the royal mission is followed by one that fawningly celebrates the magnificence of Diana deigning to speak to Welsh well-wishers.

From Washington Post

He hopes this will lead to a resurgence of stores on Main Street, the type of places that business travelers might not have deigned to visit.

From Time

Good news is, when you own the club, the party can start whenever you deign to show up.

From The Daily Beast

On the rare occasions when he would deign to reply, she would race to the nearest lavatory in search of the only guaranteed privacy available, bolt the door, and read her letter in ecstatic solitude.

From Time

He would never deign me with any sort of acknowledgment, because I was too low on the totem pole.

From The Daily Beast

Should we be grateful for whatever music they deign to release and grade them on a curve because of it?

From The Daily Beast

The New Mitt, who has discarded his frontrunner Too-Bain-to-Deign strategy to cross swords more eagerly with his opponents.

From The Daily Beast

But Canon Drivel's daughter did not deign to answer, she merely rang for prayers.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Catherwaight did not deign to open his eyes this time, but moved his head uneasily as if he wished to be let alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Mme. la Duchesse, I pray you deign to re-enter your carriage.

From Project Gutenberg

Gentle Night; deign to stay awhile: Some help is needed from you.

From Project Gutenberg

No; but if it be possible, deign to tell me what passed at this return.

From Project Gutenberg