deign
/dein/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- do something that one considers to be below one's dignity