Definition

1. Verb:
   • To do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity or status; to condescend reluctantly.

Usage

• Verb: Used to describe the action of someone, often of perceived higher status, reluctantly lowering themselves to do something they consider unworthy. It often implies a sense of pride or arrogance in the subject.
• Grammar: Typically used with an infinitive (to deign to do something). It is a formal and somewhat literary verb.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "deign to do something": The standard construction, emphasizing the reluctant action.
  • The manager deigned to consider our proposal.
• Used in negative constructions to emphasize refusal due to perceived indignity.
  • They did not deign to respond to the accusations.

Variants and Related Words

• Deigning (present participle/gerund): The act of condescending.
  • Her deigning to attend the party was seen as a great honor.
• Deigned (simple past and past participle): The standard past tense form.
  • He deigned a brief nod in my direction.

Synonyms

• Condescend: To do something in a way that shows a feeling of superiority.
• Stoop: To lower one's moral standards or dignity to do something.
• Vouchsafe: To give or grant something in a condescending manner (more formal/archaic).

Antonyms

• Stoop willingly: (No direct single-word antonym, but phrases like this contrast the reluctance.)
• Embrace: To accept or undertake something eagerly.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Not deign to...: A common negative phrase highlighting a refusal based on pride.
  • He didn't deign to look at the document.
• Deign a reply/glance/answer: A construction where "deign" is followed directly by the object (the thing given condescendingly).
  • She barely deigned a glance at the report.

Verb

1. do something that one considers to be below one's dignity